What are NASA Exchanges?

NASA Exchanges are an instrumentality of the United States with associated privileges, rights and immunities and are governed by NASA Policy Directive 9050.6K. The day-to-day operations of an Exchange are performed by an operations Manager, that is a NASA civil servant employee and Non-Appropriated Funds Instrumentality (NAFI) employees. Non-appropriated means that an Exchange does not receive any funds appropriated by the U.S. Congress and must raise funds through gift shop sales and other means to fund NAFI staff payroll and employee activities and events. Support and oversight of an Exchange’s morale and welfare activities and funds are provided by a Council of NASA employees, whose members represent the centers organizations.

What are Non-Appropriated Funds?

Non appropriated funds are funds that are not provided for by the Government. Government-appropriated funds are made available through the annual appropriations bill that is approved by Congress. The majority source of Exchange funding is provided by sales revenue, which is non appropriated funding. In order to support some of the activities or requests which would not be covered by appropriated funds, NASA Employees can contact their Center Exchange.

 Are appropriated funds ever used to support the Exchange?

Yes, Appropriated funds can be used for certain allowable expenses. These allowable expenses may include expenses for facilities, utilities, and purchases and maintenance of equipment necessary for the operation or management of the Exchange.

Are the exchange employees Civil Servant or support service contractors?

NASA Exchange personnel are employed by the Exchange, which is an instrumentality of the United States, and their salaries and benefits are paid out of the sales revenue of the Exchange (non-appropriated funds). Therefore, NASA Exchange personnel are not members of the civil service, nor are they support service contractors. They are referred to as “NASA non- appropriated fund employees.” 

Is the Exchange goal to make money?

The Exchange’s goal is to make a modest return on our operations so the Center can use Exchange’s funding to help maintain, support, promote, or improve activities or facilities that contribute to the efficiency, welfare, and morale of NASA employees. Prices are set at the lowest possible prices consistent with its cost of operation and its other financial needs.

If I have a brand, I would like to sell at the exchange store, how to I make that happen? 

Any suggestions for improvements to services or goods can be directed either to the operations manager or to the business manager at your Center Exchange.