NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 8800.15C Effective Date: October 30, 2014 Expiration Date: December 31, 2024

Subject: Real Estate Management Program w/Change 2, December 20, 2022

Responsible Office: Office of Strategic Infrastructure

Appendix B. Definitions of Terms Used in Space Classification and Measurement

Conference. Permanent space for periodic assembly of large groups, which typically includes high ceilings, fixed seating, and/or specialized audiovisual equipment. Conference space is not usually interchangeable with typical office space.

Executive Office/Suites. Office suites for Center Director, Deputy Center Director, and other senior managers which include reception and administrative areas, small conference spaces, and any other space directly associated with the executive offices.

Functional Categories. Space or open areas generally bound by the supporting walls of the structure.

Laboratory. Space in which electronic, chemistry, life sciences, medical, bioscience, physics, photographic, or other research, development, evaluation, or test activities are conducted. Laboratories are generally single-story spaces characterized by special utilities and built-in or portable instruments and equipment. Laboratory space may include small, incidental office areas (such as desk space).

Miscellaneous. Space in which activities, other than those previously classified, are conducted; include visitor information, libraries, banks, cafeterias, concessions, security, fire protection, post office, and similar activities.

Office. Typically a single-story space with furniture and small, portable equipment in which management, administration, design engineering, and business activities are conducted. Small conference and meeting rooms located throughout buildings will be reported as office space. The space allowance for offices also includes circulation space between the workstations.

Operational. Space for dedicated mission support activities, such as mission or launch control. Examples of operational spaces are mission control centers, control towers, and war rooms. Small incidental office areas may be included.

Shop-Industrial. Space in which carpentry, electrical, plumbing, electronic, welding, metalworking, or other trades are conducted. This includes maintenance, fabrication, manufacturing, or repair activities. Shop-industrial space is characterized by conventional machines and equipment and may include small incidental office areas.

Storage. Administrative. Space within office areas that is used to store files, office supplies, or similar office support items.

Storage. Warehouse. Permanent space where equipment not in use is stored; includes stock, warehousing, and shipping and receiving activities. Technical. Space in which assembly, instrumentation, test, checkout, launch, data reduction, computer, calibration, or similar activities are conducted. Technical space is frequently characterized by multistory or high-bay features and large, installed, and often sophisticated equipment. Technical space may include small, incidental office areas.

Training. Space dedicated to classrooms for training personnel.

Transient. Space for personnel that is not permanently assigned to the Center but for whom space is required on a recurring, periodic basis. This includes space for personnel such as astronauts and visiting scientists. Designation of space as transient requires Headquarters approval. The space is generally used for offices or administrative functions.

Underutilized. As defined by the FRPC, an entire property or portion thereof, with or without improvements, which is used only at irregular periods or intermittently by the accountable landholding agency for current program purposes of that agency, or which is used for current program purposes that can be satisfied with only a portion of the property. 41 C.F.R. § 102-75.1160; accord 45 C.F.R. § 12a.1; 24 C.F.R. § 581.1.

Unutilized or Not Utilized. As defined by the FRPC, an entire property or portion thereof, with or without improvements, not occupied for current program purposes for the accountable executive agency or occupied in caretaker status only. 41 C.F.R. § 102-75.1160; accord 45 C.F.R. § 12a.1; 24 C.F.R. § 581.1.

Utilized. As defined by the FRPC, any real property that is not defined as unutilized or underutilized.

Personnel Types

Requiring Space. Personnel who need assigned office space at a NASA site. In situations where an office space intended for one person is shared by multiple personnel on a rotating basis, only one person will be counted as requiring space for that office. Typical examples of this scenario include technical, security, maintenance, or janitorial personnel offices.

Civil Service. Personnel who are employed by NASA on a full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Contractor. Personnel who directly support a NASA mission but are not employed by NASA. This includes professional, technical, administrative, and other contract support staff.

Other Personnel. Those who occupy space at a NASA site via an out-grant agreement but do not directly support a NASA mission. This includes subcontractors and employees of independent organizations that provide support services to NASA employees (retail shop, cafeteria, childcare, fitness center, etc.), or civil servants of other Federal agencies.

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