The budget request, also called the "Integrated Budget and Performance Document (IBPD)," was a key basis for NASA's highest possible "grade" in the government-wide Budget and Performance Integration initiative, part of the President's Management Agenda to improve key areas of federal management. NASA leads the rest of the federal government in this important area, by being the only agency that has achieved this highest or "green" rating.

NASA's innovations and accomplishments extend to other areas of the President's Management Agenda. NASA also leads the rest of the federal government in management of human capital as the only agency with a "green" score. Since the last rating, NASA's scores have improved in four of the five areas assessed in the President's Management Agenda, more than any other agency.

Other areas where NASA has improved ratings include competitive sourcing and E-government. NASA's success in implementing the President's Management Agenda reflects the agency's commitment to management excellence, which is essential to achieving the new exploration vision.

The Vision for Space Exploration" serves as the bridge between the policy direction the President outlined in his January 14 speech about U.S. space exploration, and NASA's budget request. The vision lays out guiding principles for exploration, and establishes a roadmap for missions to the moon, Mars and other compelling destinations in the solar system and beyond.

The framework put forth in the "Vision" document also identifies critical "building blocks," addresses transformations NASA must undertake, and discusses resources needed to achieve the nation's space exploration goals. NASA will develop more detailed implementation plans for the new exploration vision this year, informed by the recommendations of the Presidential (Aldridge) Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Vision.

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