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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Can contractor employees attend courses paid by Dryden with Civil Service training dollars?

No. Federal Appropriation Law and the Government Employee Training Act state that funding for contractor training is not done with appropriated funds. However, there are times when a company has charged Dryden a flat rate for a specific number of attendees whether or not we fill the course with that number; it is this type of situation where contractor employees may attend. Space available basis only.

  • An employee selected for the Graduate Studies Program (GSP), what travel expenses will Dryden fund?

It has been Dryden's past practice that only transportation will be funded. Transportation means, one-round trip airplane ticket or one-round trip mileage when the employee drives (Includes 300 miles per day, meals and lodging). The employee's Directorate/Office funds these travel funds. The Dryden Financial Management's ruling: the employee can select their preferred travel mode.

  • What if I can't make it to class I'm enrolled in?

For on and off site courses, contact your supervisor as soon as possible. Supervisor should contact the Human Resources Office.

  • Can I take Supervisory courses if I'm not a formal supervisor?

If you are not in a formal supervisory role but want to learn to be a better leader, you should look into our Leadership courses for non-supervisors.

  • What form do I use to request off-site training?

To request off-site training you must submit a completed DFRC 141 to Human Resources Office/Mail Code D2407 for approval.

  • I'm planning to attend an off-site course. Should I register for a class before I submit my DFRC 141?

No, you should not register for the class before you submit you DFRC 141. You will be registered by the Human Resources Office once your DFRC 141 has been received.

  • Who do I contact about getting customized training for my group/team/branch?

Complete the "Request From for Course," (no assigned form number at this time) and provide to Training, M/S D2407.

  • Who can use the Dryden Learning Center?

The Dryden Learning Center Building 4842 services and facility are for use by Dryden Flight Research Center Civil Service employees. Others may use on a case-by-case review basis.

  • Do I receive training credit for Learning Center courses?

If you are a civil service employee, you are eligible to receive training credit for all completed Learning Center courses. Contractors will need to track their own training completions as required by their companies.

  • How much does it cost to use Learning Center services?

The Learning Center is available FREE OF CHARGE to all DFRC employees. This includes all services and materials, including attendance at satellite broadcasts, unless an Academic Institution requires a fee.

  • I have my own program. Can I view it in the Learning Center?

Yes. Just complete the request for DLC usage form. Be sure to indicate what kind of equipment you will need.

  • Will my supervisor be informed of my training in the Learning Center?

It is your responsibility to inform your supervisor of your training activities. Please be aware of your own internal policies regarding this issue.

  • What is the NASA Fellowship?

The NASA Fellowship Program is a collection of noncredit, executive education programs offered by universities such as Harvard, MIT, Carnegie-Mellon, and Simmons.

The programs are targeted primarily for employees at the GS-13 to SES levels. Each year the Agency selects participants for these programs on a competitive basis. NASA Headquarters pays tuition, fees, and travel expenses for those selected.

  • How do I register for a Project Management (APPL) class?

Project Management is a course that falls under the NASA Academy for Program and Project Leadership (APPL). These are courses that do not cost a NASA Civil Service anything to attend. At some locations where these courses are held the food and lodging are also provided free by NASA. Your organization would only have to fund for the airplane ticket and any other transportation to the course.

Many courses are presented at the NASA Management Education Center (MEC) in Wallops, VA (food and lodging are always provided here). Some courses are presented at the various Centers (food and lodging may or may not be provided at these sites).

AMES Research Center in Mountain View, CA (San Jose) is considered APPL West, therefore, the Centers on the West Coast are encouraged to attend the APPL courses scheduled at AMES. Food and lodging are provided at this site.

Dryden has partnered with AMES and JPL (Pasadena, CA) to bring some APPL courses and NASA Engineering Training (NET) courses to the Dryden and JPL.

The contractor who provides administrative support to these courses, RGI, often revise the forms and schedule, so it is always best to review the NASA web site for the most current information http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codef/codeft

The Dryden process to enroll in these courses no matter what location is:

  1. Review the course schedule to include the nomination form deadlines.
  2. Complete the NASA nomination form.
  3. Have your supervisor sign the form.
  4. If there is any travel involved, you arrange that through your organization, so you need to ensure before you sign up for courses that your organization indeed has the travel funds to send you. Of course if it is one of the Dryden scheduled courses, no travel funds will be authorized. Dryden HR does not need to see your Travel Orders.
  5. Forward completed form to Dryden Human Resources Office, Bridgette Washington, Mail Stop D2407 (we moved to the 2nd Floor of Bldg 4800).
  6. Dryden Human Resources forwards your form to RGI.
  7. Dryden HR provides you a form that lets you know we have completed this action.
  8. RGI notifies you directly of your confirmation.
  9. Before you attend any NASA courses, be sure that you have read up on the latest events occurring at NASA and that you know the NASA Enterprises. It assists you in interacting with employee from other Centers. NASA web site: http://www.hq.nasa.gov
 
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