Evaluation of the National Reconnaissance Office's Implementation of Section 3610 Authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

On 27 March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided emergency assistance and healthcare response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the Coronavirus disease. Section 3610 of the CARES Act provided agencies discretionary authority to reimburse costs of paid leave to federal contractors and subcontractors using existing appropriations to keep these individuals in a ready state and to protect the life and safety of government and contractor personnel. Given the unprecedented circumstances surrounding these Section 3610 authorities, including the potential risk to National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) programs as well as substantial funding outlays, the NRO Office of Inspector General conducted this evaluation. The objectives were to evaluate the NRO's implementation of Section 3610 of the CARES Act and to identify preliminary impacts to the NRO's mission. The OIG determined that the NRO used a multifaceted strategy consistent with Section 3610 and Office of Management and Budget guidance to ensure mission resilience while protecting the health and safety of the NRO contractor workforce. The OIG also identified potential impacts to the NRO's mission that could influence the efficiency and effectiveness of NRO's activities moving forward.