The NASA Inspector General has published the results of its general audit of the SETI Institute. The audit examined:
- the extent to which the SETI Institute supports NASA’s science goals, whether the Institute used NASA funds for their intended purpose, and whether costs paid under the agreement were in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines and (2) NASA’s future involvement in technosignatures research. In conducting this audit, we interviewed NASA and SETI Institute personnel; reviewed relevant federal and Agency laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; and evaluated the acquisition of, compliance with, and accounting for the Institute’s NASA awards.
Auditors selected 16 of the SETI Institute’s 85 grants and cooperative agreements for review and concluded the following:
- 2 were relinquished by the SETI Institute
- 14 met reporting requirements for performance and deliverables, and aligned with the goals detailed in the research announcements and NASA Science Plan
- The awards produced useful data including:
- The discovery of extrasolar planets
- Information on bacteria, planetary satellites, and the development of biofuels from microbes
- The enhancement of STEM participation in America’s youth
The report also indicates that all produced well-documented records that supported the selection and award to the SETI Institute, and that financial and expense data indicated funds and costs were accounted for effectively, handled appropriately, and complied with federal and NASA regulations and guidance.
At this time, and since 1993, NASA does not provide funding for technosignature research. The SETI Institute continues work in this area with other sources of financial support.
The final conclusion of the report is that “NASA and the Institute have forged a strong partnership and produced valuable data and research benefitting the scientific community.”
