SELECT COMMITTEE ON
INTELLIGENCE
UNITED STATES SENATE

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COivlPLETION BY
PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEES

SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
UNITED·STATES SENATE

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COMPLETION BY
PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEES
PARTA - BIOGRAPIIlCAL INFORMATION

1.

FULL NMvffi: Christopher Jon Scolese
OTHER NAMES USED: N/A

2.

DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 21 July 1956; Buffalo, NY
CITIZENSHIP: USA

3.

MARITAL·STATUS: Married

4.

SPOUSE'S NA1v1E: Dianne Cecilia Scolese

5.

SPOUSE'S MAIDEN NAME IF APPLICABLE: Dianne Cecilia Bojan

6.

NAMES AND AGES OF CIIlLDREN:

INFORMATION REDACTED
7. EDUCATION SINCE ffiGH SCHOOL:
DATES ATTENDED
INSTITUTION
George Washington
2010-2016
University .
(1983-1987 PhD
coursework}
2003
Maxwell School
Syracuse Universitv
George Washington
1979-1983
Universitv
Bettis Reactor
1979
Eneineering School
State University of New
1974-1978
York at Buffalo

DEGREE RECEIVED
PhD Systems
Engineering

DATE OF DEGREE

Leadership Certificate

2003

MS Electrical and
Computer Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Certificate
BS Eiectrical and
Computer Engineering

1983

2016

1979
1978

8.

EMPLOY?viENT RECORD (LIST ALL POSITIONS HELD SINCE COLLEGE, INCLUDING
MILITARY SERViCE. INDICATE NAME OF EMPLOYER, POSITION, TITLE OR DESCRIPTION,
LOCATION, AND DATES OF EMPLOYMENT).

EMPWYER
U. S. Navy (Active Duty)
U.S. Navy Reserve (active and
Inactive)
DoDUSN

POSITION/TITLE

LOCATION

DATES

Ensign-LT

Various

1978-1983

LT

Crystal City, VA

1983-1991

GS 13-14

Crystal City, VA

1983-1986

Senior Analyst

Tysons Corner,
VA

1986-1987

GS 14-SES

Greenbelt, MD

1987-2001

Engineer
General Research Corporation

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Engineer
Systems Manager
(Chief Engineer)
Project Manager
Director of Earth
Science Missions
Deputy Director of
Flight Projects
Deputy AA Space Science NASA HQ

SES

Washington, DC

2001-2004

Deputy Director NASA GSFC

SES

Greenbelt, MD

2004-2005

Chief Engineer NASA

SES

Washington, DC

2005-2007

Administrator (Acting) NASA

SES

Washington, DC

2009

Associate Administrator NASA HQ

SES

Washington, DC

2007 to 2012

Director NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center

SES

Greenbelt, MD

2012 - Present

9.

GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE (INDICATE EXPERIENCE IN OR ASSOCIATION WITH FEDERAL,
STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, INCLUDING ADVISORY, CONSULTATIVE, HONORARY, OR
OTHER PART-TIME SERVICE OR POSITION. DO NOT REPEAT INFORMATION ALREADY
PROVIDED IN QUESTION 8).

I served in an advisory capacity as. part of my official government duties providing reviews and
recommendations for other government agency programs, which included programs at the NRO, DoD,
USAF, DOE, DHS, and USGS.

10. INDICATE ANY SPECIALIZED INTELLIGENCE OR NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERTISE YOU HAVE
ACQUIRED HAVING SERVED IN THE POSITIONS DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 8 AND/OR 9.

The majority of my 40 plus year career has been designing, acquiring, launching and operating space
systems at NASA. My experience in acquisition, development and test is related to space systems,
observation of the Earth and its environment, nuclear systems, nuclear weapons, analysis of products
from satellites, data systems development and operation, and facility management. I have served in an
advisory capacity on the development ofNRO systems and technologies.
11. HONORS AND AW ARDS (PROVIDE INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS.
HONORARY DEGREES, MILITARY DECORATIONS, CIVILIAN SERVICE CITATIONS, OR ANY
OTHER SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENT).

HONORS/AWARDS
Recipient of the 2018 AIAA Von Karman Award

DATE

2018

Elected to George Washington University School of
Engineering Hall of Fame

2015

• Honorary PhD-Science: State University of New York at
Buffalo

2015

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
National Capital Section Barry Goldwater Educator Award

2015

RECOGNITION
The American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics
(AIAA) award honoring
Theodore von Karman, world
famous authority on aerospace
sciences, the von Karman Lecture
in Astronautics Award recognizes
an individual who has performed
notably and distinguished himself
technically in the field of
astronautics.
The GW Engineering Hall of
Fame was established in 2006 to
recognize and honor
distinguished SEAS alumni, ·
faculty, staff, and friends who
have contributed to e~gineering,
technology, or management in a
sustained and significant way
during their careers. These are
individuals who bring distinction
to GW through their
achievements and their
contributions to their professions,
the University, and society-atlaree.

The American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics
(AIAA) National Ca1,ital

Section's highest award is the
Barry Goldwater Educator
Award, presented annually to an
individual of national stature
supporting the advancement of
technolo2"Yeducation.
Electrical Engineering Distinguished Graduate: State
University of New York at Buffalo
NASA Distinguished Service Medal

2009

State University of New York at Buffalo

2007

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space
Systems Award

2006

Presidential Rank Award-Meritorious Executive

2006

NASA Goddard Exceptional Team Achievement Award

2005

NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal

2000

Presidential Rank Award-Meritorious Executive

2000

Society for Technical Communication

2000

2014
The NASA Distinguished Service
Medal is the highest award which
may be bestowed by the NASA.
Awarded this medal for his
leadership of the Agency during
the transition.
Clifford C. Furnas Memorial
Award
It was the intent of the late Mrs.
Furnas that this award be
presented annually to a graduate
of the School of Engineering and
Applied Sciences, or a graduate
in one of the natural sciences or
mathematics disciplines within
the College of Arts and Sciences,
who has distinguished
himself/herself in a field of;
science, thereby bringing honor
to the university.
Awarded to the Earth Observing
System Team
Presidential Rank Award of
Meritorious Executive Awarded
to an SES in the U.S.
Government for sustained
superior performance in
management of programs of the
United States Government and
for achievement in the public
service
Earth Observing System (EOS)
Aura
Leadership of EOS Terra and
recovery of ESDIS
Presidential Rank Award of
Meritorious Executive Awarded
to an SES in the U.S.
Government for sustained
superior performance in
management of programs of the
United States Government and
for achievement in the public
.service
Best of Show for the NASA Earth
Observatorv Web Site

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Strathmore's Who's Who

NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
NASA
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
AIAA National Capital Section

Tau Beta Pi
Eta Kappa Nu
New York State Re1?,ents Scholarship
New York State Science Fair

Western New York Science Fair

Calspan

1996

Certificate of Appreciation for
Meritorious Service
1996
Strathmore's Who's Who
publishes an annual two
thousand page hard cover
biographical registry, honoring
successful individuals in the fields
of Business, the Arts and
Sciences, Law, Engineering and
Government.
1993
Leadershia>of EOS Restructuring
1989 to Several Outstanding Teamwork
• r>resent Awards
1989 to Several Group Achievement
present awards
1986
Young Engineer/Scientist Award
This is the premier award for
scientists and engineers under the
age of 35 who have made
substantial contributions In their
field of ex1>ertise.
National Engineering Honor
1977
Society
1977
Electrical Engineering Honor
Societ1•
1974
Honor Award
1973
For a project on the ballistics of
model rockets
Highest Honors
1973
For a project on the ballistics of
model rockets
Aerospace Award
1973
For a project on the ballistics of
model rockets

12. ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS (LIST MEMBERSHIPS IN AND OFFICES HELD WITHIN THE
LAST TEN YEARS IN ANY PROFESSIONAL, CMC, FRATERNAL, BUSINESS, SCHOLARLY,
CULTURAL, CHARITABLE, OR OTHER SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS).

ORGANIZATION
American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics

OFFICE HELD
Fellow

DATES
AppL 1972-Present

Institute of Electrical and
Electronic En~ineers
Tau Beta Pi

Member

1974-Present

National Engineering Honor
Socieh'
Electrical Engineering Honor
Socieh·
Member
Member of the Electrical
En~ineering Advisot)' Board

1977

Eta Kappa Nu
Kniehts of Columbus
State University of New York at
Buffalo

1977
1995-Present
2013-Present

George Washington University

2015-Present

13. PUBLISHED WRITINGS AND SPEECHES (LIST THE TITLES, PUBLISHERS, BLQGS AND
PUBLICATION DATES OF ANY BOOKS, ARTICLES, REPORTS, OR OTHER PUBLISHED
MATERIALS YOU HAVE AUTHORED. ALSO LIST ANY PUBLIC SPEECHES OR REMARKS YOU
HAVE MADE WITIIlN THE LAST TEN YEARS FOR WIDCH THERE IS A TEXT, TRANSCRIPT, OR
VIDEO). IF ASKED, WILL YOU PROVIDE A CQPY OF EACH REQUESTED PUBLICATION, TEXT,
TRANSCRIPT, OR VIDEO?

Yes, to the extent they are published and available. The below list of publications, speeches and
presentations is complete to the best of my knowledge.
Published Writings (Books, Articles, Reports, Papers):
"EOS Mission Platform Sizini Study (A Conceptual Design Approach)." C. Scolese, F. Bordi. National
Aeronautics· and Space Administration (NASA), May 1990
·
"Field of View Location and Formation Flying for Polar Orbiting Missions." C. Scolese, D. Folta, and F.
Bordi. ~merican Astronautical Society 91-170, April 1991
"Considerations on Formation Flying S~parations for Earth Observing Satellite Missions." D. Folta, F.
Bordi, and C.·Scolese. American Astronautical Society 92-144; American Astronautical Society/
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Spaceflight Mechanics Meeting,
Colorado Springs, CO, February 1992
"The Earth Observing ~ystem's Sp~ce Measurement System." C. Scolese, M. Donohoe, and F. Bordi.
43rd International Astronautical Congress, IAF-92-0748, Washington, DC,
~ugust 28-September 5,-1992
"Measurement Strategies· for the Earth Observing System." C. Scolese, F;Bordi, D. Folta, and J. Bolek.
COSPAR A:8-M.1.04 XXIX COSPAR PLENARY MEETING, Washington, DC,
August 28-September 5, 1992
"Mission to Planet Earth: The EOS ~pace Segment." F. Bordi, C. Scolese, M. Donohoe, and J. Dalton.
43 rd International Astronautical Congress~ Washington, DC, A1:1gust 28-September 5, 1992
"The Earth Observing System: The EOS-AM Mission." C. Scolese and F. Bordi. 43rd International
Astronautical Congress, Washington, DC, August 28-September 5? 1992
'~Scientific Requirements and Mission Design:. The EOS Experience." C. Scolese and F. Bordi.
44th International Astronautical Congress, IAF-93-H.3.201, Graz, Austria, October 16 - 22, 1993
"EOS-AMl: The First Spacecraft in the Earth Observing System." C. Scolese and F. Bordi.
IAF-94-B.2. 076, 45th International Astronautical Congress, Jerusalem, Israel, Oct 9-14, 1994
"EOS-AM1: Current Status." F. Bordi, S. Neeck, and C. Scolese. Proceedings of The International
Society for Optics and Pho~onics, .January 1995
"Earth Remote Sensing Mission D~_ign Process: EOS-AM2, A Case Study." F. Bordi~ S. Neeck,
C. Scolese, W. Stoney, R. Taylor, and P. Westmeyer. Presented at the European Symposium on Satellite
Remote Sensing II, Paris, France, September 25-28, 1995

"EOS-AMl: Project Update." F. Bordi, S. Neeck, and C. Scolese. Proceedings of The International
Society for Optics and Photonics, Bellingham, WA, December 1995
"EOS-AM2: A Design Update." F. Bordi, S. Neeck, C. Scolese, R. Taylor, and P. Westmeyer. Europto,
Satellite Remote Sensing m, Taormina, Italy, September 1996
"EOS-AMl-L-2." F. Bordi, S. Neeck, and C. Scolese. Proceedings of The International Society for
Optics and Photonics, Bellingham, WA, December 1996
"EOS Follow-on Missions: Near-term." F. Bordi, S. Neeck, C. Scolese, and R. Taylor. Presented at the
European Symposium on Aerospace Remote Sensing, London, United Kingdom, September 22-26, 1997
"Future Mission Concepts for Land Change / Use Research." ·F. Bordi, S. Neeck, C. Scolese, and R.
Taylor. Presented at the European Sympo~ium on Aerospace Remote Sensing,
London, United Kingdom, September 22-26, 1997
·
"EOS-AMl: Launch-9 Months/' S. Neeck, C. S~olese, and F. Bordi. European Symposium on
Aerospace Remote Sensing m, London, United Kingdom, September 23, 1997
"EOS AM: Progress, Plans, and Promise." F. Bordi, C. Scolese, and S. Neeck. IAF-97-B.2.02
48 th International Astronautical Congress, Turin, Italy, October 6-10, 19·97
"EOS AM-1." S. Neeck, C. Scolese, and F. Bordi. European Symposium on Remote Sensing,
Barcelona, Spain, September 21, 1998
"The Earth Observing System: Status of the First Series and Early Science Investigations." M. King
and C. Scolese. 37th Goddard Memorial Symposium, American Astronautical Society, Greenbelt, MD,
March 17, 1999
"Early Results from the EOS AM-1 Mission.'~ F. Bordi, S. Neeck, and C. Scalese. 50 th International
Astronautical Congress, Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 4-8, 1999
"Contribution ofEOS TERRA to Earth Sciences." F. Bordi, S. Neeck, and C. Scolese. European
Sy~posium on Remote Sensing, Florence, Italy, September 20-24, 1999
"Overview of the TERRA Mission." C. Scolese and F. Bordi. Conference on Sensors, Systems, and Next
Generation Satellites VI (Rs04), Barcelona, .Spain, September 9, 2000
"An Overview of Earth Science Missions at·the Goddard Space Flig~t Center." F. Bordi and C. Scolese.
52nd International Astronautical Congress, Toulouse, France, October 1-5, 2001
"Message from the Chief Engineer." C. Scolese. .NASA's Academy Shar~ng Knowledge (ASK)
Magazine, December 21, 2005
"Interview with Chris Scolese." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine, January 1, 2006
"Message from the Chief.Engineer-.- Risk Management: Enabling the New Age of Exploration."
C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine, January 12, 2006
"Message from Chief Engineer: Defining Engineering Excellence." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine,
February 8, 2006
"Message from Chief Engineer: Four Guiding ·Princ~ples of Technical Excellence." C. Scolese.
Ni\SA's ASK Magazine, February 8, 2006

"Message from the Chief Engineer-Technical Excellence: Roles and Responsibilities." C. Scolese.
NASA's ASK Magazine, February 24, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Engineering Philosophy." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine,
March 17, 2006
·
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Technical Authority." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine,
April 4, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: The Technical Excellence Initiative." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK
Magazine, May 10, 2006.
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Building Systems Engineering Capability." C. Scolese.
NASA's ASK Magazine, June 14, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: A Risk-Based Development Approach." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK
Magazine, July 20, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Dissenting Opinions." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine,
August 4, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Cross-Institutional Programs and Projects." C. Scolese.
NASA's ASK Magazine, August 31, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Management in a Technical Organization." C. Scolese.
NASA's ASK Magazine, August 17, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: The Significance of the Crew Exploration Vehicle." C. Scolese.
NASA's ASK Magazine, September 20, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: The Embodiment of Excellence." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK
Magazine, November 3, 2006
"Message from the Chief Engineer: The Importance of Getting Our Hands Dirty." C. Scolese. NASA's
Ask Magazine, January 12, 2007 .
"Message from the Chief Engineer -Project Management Challenge 2007-The Project Manager and
the Chief Engineer: A Constructive Relationship." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine,
February 23, 2007
"The NASA Mission and the Need for Engineering Excellence." C. Scolese. Ground System
Architectures Workshop Conference, March 29, 2007
"Developing Engineering Excellence for Programs and Projects at NASA." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK
Magazine, April 1, 2007
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Introducing NPRs 7120.5 and 7123.1." c.·scolese. NASA's Ask
Magazine, May 29, 2007
"The Project Manager and the Chief Engin_eer: A Constructive Relationship." C. Scolese.
Goddard Quality Symposium, May 18, 2007
"Message from the Chief Engineer: Technical Standards.'' C. Scolese. NASA's Ask Magazine,.
June 21, 2007
·

"A Solid Foundation for the Future: The Governance and Strategic Management Handbook."
C. Scolese. NASA's ASK Magazine, Spring 2007
"Developing Engineering Excellence for Programs and Projects at NASA." C. Scolese. NASA's ASK
Magazine, Spring 2007
"Design and Engineer_ing in a Flat World." C. Scolese and .J. Hoffman. The International Journal of
Eng~eering Education (Volume 24, Number 2) 2008 ISSN 0949-149X
Applied Space Systems Engineering, Chapter 1-Space Systems Engineering, D. Schiable, C. Scolese,
M. Ryschkewitsc~, D. Verma, and.W. Larson. Edited by Larson, Kirkpatrick, Sellers, Thomas, and
Verma. McGraw Hill, 2009
"Guest Interview--Christopher J. Scolese." C. Scolese. ISO Focus+, October 2011
"Profile-Christopher Scolese-Director, NASA Goddard Space Flight Ce~ter."·c. Scolese.
Space News, September 26, 2012
"Explanation of Change Study: Approach and Findings." R. Bitten, D. Emmons, F. Bordi, and
C. Scolese. 2013 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Conference, March 2-8, 2013
"Explanation of Change Study: Considerations and Implementation Challenges." R. Bitten,
D. Emmons, F. Bordi, M. Hart, C. Scolese, and N. Hinners. 2013 Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers Conference, March 2-8, 2013
''Improved Definition for Use of Risk Matrices in Project Development." C. Scolese. Dis$ertation
submitted to The Faculty of The School of Engineering and App.lied Science of The George Washington
University, May 18, 2015
·
"A N~w Approach to Mission Classification and Risk Management for NASA Space Flight Missions."
F. Bordi and C. Scolese. 2018 International Astronomical Cc;mference, March 3-9, 2018
"The Value of the Risk Management Process." R. Dillon, G. Klein, Jr., E. Rogers, and C. Scolese.
2018 Institute of'Electrical and Electronics Engineers Aerospace Conference, March 3-9, 2018
Significant Presentations and Speeches:
NASA: The Need for Technical Excellence, C. Scolese. Invited Lecture State University of New York at
Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, Spring 2006
Lessons from Apollo, c: Scalese. Military and Aerospace Programmable Logic Devices,
September 25, 2006
Design Engineering Education and Space Exploration in a Flat World, C. Scolese. Harvey Mudd
College, Los Angeles, California, May 23, 2007
The Project Manager and the Chief Engineer: A Constructive Relationship, C. Scolese. Project
Management Challenge 2007, Galveston, TX, February 7, 2007
.The NASA Mission and the Need for Engineering Excellence, C. Scolese. Ground System Architectures
Workshop Conference, M-arch 29, 2007
The Project Manager and the Chief Engineer: A Constructive Relationship, C. Scolese. Goddard
Quality Symposium, May 18, 2007
Engineering Challenges for the NASA Exploration Mission, C. Scolese. NASA, August 21, 2007

Eyes on the Earth: Past, Present and Future, C. Scolese. Association of Aeronautics and Ast.ronautics
National Capital Section, January 17, 2008
Keynote· on "Sustainable Space Exploration," C. Scolese. 47th Robert H. Goddard Memorial
Symposium, March 12, 2009
The Importance of Project Leadership at NASA, C. Scolese. NASA, June 26, 2009
Measurement in Earth Observing Systems, C. Scolese. Association for Aeronautics and Astronautics,
September 21, 2009
Flexible Response: Working with Industry, Academic, and International Partners, C. Scolese. NASA,
October 21, 2009
·
5th Appleton Lecture: NASA's Plans for Exploring the Moon & Mars, C. Scolese. sth Appleton Space
Conference, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, December 10, 2009
Grand Challenges and Space Exploration, C. Scolese. University of Buffalo Amherst Campus,
Buffalo, New York, March 10, 2010
Space Exploration and Risk, C. Scolese. Space Systems Risk Management Symposium, April 7, 2010
Design Engineering Education and Space Exploration in ~ Flat World, C. Scolese. Harvey Mudd
College, Los Angeles, CA, May 23, 2010
Eyes on the Sun: 2010 S.pace Weather Enterprise Forum, C. Scolese. NASA, June 8, 2010
Eyes on the Earth: Past, Present and Future, C. Scolese. Giant Leaps Symposium, MIT Draper
Laboratory, Bo~ton, MA, June 10, 2010
Observing Earth from Space: Status, Challenges and Opportunities, C. Scolese. MIT Draper
Laboratory, Boston, MA, October 21, 2010
·

NASA Today: Delivering Re~ults, C. Scolese. American Astronomical Society 3 rd Wernher von Braun
Men;iorial Symposium 21 st Century Approaches to the Use and Development of Space, October 27, 2010
Invited Talk-Mission Assurance in a Cost Constrained Environment, C. ·scolese. 2011 Mission
Assurance Improvement Workshop, May 6, 2011
Commencement Speech to the Graduating Class of Cleveland Hill High School, C. Scolese.
Cheektowaga, NY, June 25, 2011
Keynote: From Ideas to Impact, C. Scalese. American Astronomical Society 4th Wernher von Bra·un
Symposium, October 25, 2011
Facilitate Mission Success through Knowledge Sharing, C. Scolese. 2012 Mission Assurance
Improvement Workshop Keynote, May 9, 2012
Presentation on NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mission, C. Scolese. Maryland Department of
Business & Economic Development's Environmental & Energy Sustainment Forum, May 14, 2012
Presentation on NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mission, C. Scolese. Wallops Regional Partner's
Quarterly, June 14, 2012

Remarks at "Aerospace@Annapolis", C. Scolese. NASA Goddard, in partnership with the AIAA
National Capital Section, event at Maryland General Assembly, February 1, 2013
Remarks-Landsat 8 and The Criticality of Sustaining Operational Programs to Minimize the Risk of a
Data Gap, C. Scolese. USGS-hosted Lunch & Learn on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, May 10, 2013
Goddard Space Flight Center Overview, C. Scolese. American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics, September 19, 2013
Address to the Mission Assurance Improvement Workshop, C. Scolese. Mission Assurance
Improvement Workshop, NASA, May 8, 2014
Addr~s to the 42nd Aerospace Mechanism Symposium, C. Scolese. 42 nd Aerospace Mechanism
Symposium, May 14, 2014
Presentation-NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Leading the Way: Goddard in FY 15 and Beyond,
C. Scolese. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics National Capitol Section,
October 23, 2014
A Personal Perspective on the Evolution of Program/Project Management at the Goddard Space Flight
Center, C. Scolese. November 6, 2014
Presentation-Overview of the NASA Program/Project Activities, C. Scolese. National Academy of
Sciences, July 21, 2015
Keynote-Data-Driven Mission Success Supply Chain 2016, C. Scolese. Supply Chain Conference
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, August 30, 2016
Keynote at the University of Southern California (USC) I University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Navy Marine Birthday Ball, C. Scolese. USC/UCLA ROTC Los Angeles, CA, October 28, 2016
Improving the Use of Risk Matrices at NASA, R. Dillon, G. Klein, Jr., E. Rogers, and C. Scolese. 2017
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Aerospace Conference, March 4-11, 2017
Remarks-Highlights of Space Science Disciplines, C. Scolese. Space Transportation Association Lunch,
September 8, 2017
·
Presentations and/or Remarks on NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mission, C. Scolese. Greenbelt
City Council & Greenbelt Business Roundtable, multiple occasions-April 23, 2012; June 19, 2012;
·February 4,-2013; August 24, 2016; and March 29, 2017
Keynote, Bucks County Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, C. Scolese. December 1, 2017
Presentations and/or Remarks on NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Mission, C. Scolese. Maryland
Space Business Roundtable, multiple occasions-April 27, 2012; September 19, 2012; July 23, 2013;
September 29, 2014; March 29, 2016; and July 26, 2018
Presentations and/or Remarks o~ Introducing Speakers at the Goddard Memorial Symposium, C.
Scolese. Multiple occasions-March 21-22, 2013; March 5-6, 2014; March 11-12, 2015; March 9-10,
2016; Marc'1. 8-9, 2017; and March 14-15, 2018
Remarks at National Air & Space Museum, Annual Event hosted by Maryland :Business Roundtable, C.
Scolese. Multiple occasions-September 19, 2012; September 25, 2013; September 10, 2014; September
23, 2015; September 21, 2016; October 4, 2017; and October 3, 2018

Presentation--Fins to Computers, C. Scolese. Cleveland Hill High School, Cheektowaga, NY,
October 5, 2018
Presentation-Discussion of NASA Missio~s, C. Scolese. State University of New York at Buffalo
School of Engineering, Buffalo, NY, October 5, 2018
ConKressional Testimony:
NASA's progress in managing the cost and schedule of the Agency's projects, C. Scolese, NASA
Administrator (Acting). Before the Subcommittee on Space aild Aeronautics Committee on Science and
Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, March 5, 2009
President's FY2010 Budget for NASA, C. Scolese, NASA Administrator (Acting). Before the
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations,
U.S. House of Representatives, April 29, 2009
President's FY2010 Budget for NASA, C, Scolese, NASA Administrator (Acting). Before th~ U.S. House
of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, May 19, 2009
President's FY2~10 Budget for NASA, C. Scolese, NASA Administrator (Acting). Before the Senate
Subcommittee on Science and Space, U.S. Senate, May 21, 2009
President's FY2010 Budget for NASA, C. Scolese, NASA Administrator (Acting). Before the Senate
Subcommittee on Appropriations for Commerce, Justice, and Science, U.S. Senate, May 21, 2009
Setting New Courses for Polar Weather Satellites and Earth Observations, C. Scolese, NASA Associate
Administrator. U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on
Investigations and Oversight, U.S. House of Representatives, July 27, 2010
Polar Weather Satellite Program Progres~ and Plans, C. Scolese, NASA Associate Administrator. Joint
Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight and Subcommittee on Energy and
Environment Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. U.S. House of Representatives,
September 23, 2012

PART B - QUALIFICATIONS
14.

QUALIFICATIONS (DESCRIBE WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO SERVE AS THE
DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL.RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE).

Throughout my 40 year career, I have been involved in the acquisition, development, and test of
complex systems that have been used in submarines, nuclear systems, missile defense, Earth observation
satellites, human and robotic space missions in and beyond low Earth orbit, data systems, and
communications systems, all of which are related to aspects of the National Reconnaissance Office
(NRO) mission. Further, I have significant experience in the acquisition, development, test, and
operation of complex space and ground systems used by NASA as well as other organizations. During
my tenure at NASA, I have worked with NOAA, USGS, USAF, NRO, DoD, DOE, commercial and
university organizations; my collaboration with each of these organizations provided me with valuable
insights into space acquisition, program management, and operations best·practices that would be
applicable to the mission of the NRO. ·As a leader of organizations at NASA, I have significant
experience in many areas· with direct relevance to NRO mission accomplishment. This includes work to
develop new technologies for small and large scale applications, from components and software that
improved capabilities, to more complex· CubeSats and large space systems. My efforts have directly
cont.ributed to the creation of multiple ground systems. These ~nclude small, agile ground systems to
large ground systems that acquire and process data for a diverse user community. My efforts on large

.ground systems include the development and evolution of the Earth Observing System (EOS) Data and
Information System, as well as recovery and development of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS)
ground system. Over the last 20 years, I have held positions in which I have been responsible for the
oversight and integration of NASA's programmatic and technical efforts to ensure the successful
accomplishment of the Agency's overall mission, as well as leading the development, design, and
implementation of the nation's civil space program., Currently, I have responsibility for scientific and
programmatic management of the Nation's largest organization of combined scientists and engineers
focused on the exploration of Earth, the solar system, and the universe. I believe my experience aligns
well with the NRO's mission to develop, acquir:e, launch and operate our nation's intelligence satellites.
Given tbe technical, acquisition, and pa~ership experience described above, I believe I have the
technical expertise, substantive knowledge, and leadership ability to serve as the Director of the NRO.

PART C - POLITICAL AND FOREIGN AFFILIATIONS
15. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES (LIST ANY MEMBERSHIPS OR OFFICES HELD IN OR FINANCIAL
CONTRIBUTIONS OR SERVICES RENDERED TO, ANY POLITICAL PARTY, ELECTION
COMMITTEE, POLITICAL ACTION Cotv1MIITEE, OR INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATE DURING THE
LAST TEN YEARS).

None
16. CANDIDACY FOR PUBLIC OFFICE (FURNISH DETAILS OF ANY CANDIDACY FOR ELECTIVE
PUBLIG dFF~CE).
None

17. FOREIGN AFFILIATIONS
(NOTE: QUESTIONS 17A AND B ~NOT LIMITED TO RELATIONSIDPS REQUIRING
REGISTRATION UNDER THE FOREIGN AGENTS REGISTRATION ACT. QUESTIONS 17A, B, AND C
DO NOT CALL FOR A POSITIVE RESPONSE IF THE REPRESENTATION OR TRANSACTION WAS
AUTHORIZED BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR OR YOUR
SPOUSE'~ EMPLOYJ\IBNT IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE.)
A. HAVE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE EVER REPRESENTED IN ANY CAPACITY (E.G. EMPLOYEE,

ATTORNEY, OR POLITI<;:AL/BUSINESS CONSULTANT), WITH OR WITHOUT COMPENSATION,
A FOREIGN GOVERNtvIENT OR AN ENTITY CONTROLLED BY A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT? IF
SO, PLEASE FULLY DESCRIBE SUCH RELATIONSI:fiP.
No

B. HAVE ANY OF YOUR OR YOUR SPOUSE'S ASSOCIATES· REPRESENTED, IN ANY CAPACITY,
WITH OR WITHOUT COMPENSATION, A FOREIGN GOVERNtvIBNT OR AN ENTITY
CONJROLLED BY A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT? lF SO, PLEASE FULLY DESCRIBE SUCH
RELATIONSIDP.
No

C. DURING TIIB PAST TEN YEARS, HAVE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE RECEIVED ANY
COMPENSATION FROM, OR BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY FINANCIAL OR BUSINESS
TRANSACTIONS WITH, A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OR ANY ENTITY CONTROLLED BY A
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.
No

D. HAVE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE EVER REGISTERED UNDER TIIE FOREIGN AGENTS
REGISTRATION ACT? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.

No
18. DESCRIBE ANY LOBBYING ACTMTYDURING THE PAST TEN YEARS, OTHER THAN IN AN
OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT CAPACITY, IN WIIlCH YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE HAVE ENGAGED
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DIRECTLY ORIND~C1LYINFLUENCING THE PASSAG~, DEFEAT, OR
MODIFICATION OF FEDERAL LEGISLATION, OR FOR THE PURPOSE OF AFFECTING THE
ADMINISTRATION AND EXECUTION OF FEDERAL LAW OR PUBLIC POLICY.
None

PART D - FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
19. DESCRIBE ANY EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, FINANCIAL TRANSACTION,
INVESTMENT, ASSOCIATION, OR ACTIVITY (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEALINGS
WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON YOUR OWN BEHALF OR ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT),
WIDCH COULD CREATE, OR APPEAR TO CREATE, A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN THE POSITION
TO WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN NOMINATED.
None

20.

DO YOU INTEND TO SEVER ALL BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR PRESENT E11PLOYERS,
FIRMS, BUSINESS ASSOCIATES AND/OR PARTNERSIIlPS, OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN THE
EVENT THAT YOU ARE CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE? IF NOT, PLEASE EXPLAIN.

I have no outside business relationships beyond my official duties as a federal employee.
21. DESCRIBE THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS YOU HAVE MADE OR PLAN TO MAKE, IF YOU
ARE CONFIRMED, JN CONNECTION WITH SEVERANCE FROM YOUR CURRENT POSITION.
PLEASE JNCLUDE SEVERANCE PAY, PENSION RIGHTS, STOCK OPTIONS, DEFERRED INCOME
ARRANGEMENTS, AND ANY AND ALL COMPENSATION THAT WILL OR MIGHT BE RECEIVED
IN THE FUTURE AS A RESULT OF YOUR CURRENT BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL
RELATIONSIDPS.
NIA
22.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS, COMMITMENTS, OR AGREE:MENTS TO PURSUE OUTSIDE
EMPLOYMENT, WITH OR WITHOUT COMPENS}\TION;DURING YOUR SERVICE WITH THE
GOVERNMENT? IF SO, PLEASE.PROVIDE DETAILS.

No
23.

AS FAR AS CAN BE FORESEEN, STATE YOUR PLANS AFTER COMPLETING GOVERNMENT
SERVICE. PLEASE SPECI;FICALLY DESCRIBE ANY AGREEMENTS OR UNDERS'FANDINGS,
WRITIEN OR UNWRITIBN, CONCERNING EMPLOYMENT AFTER LEAVING GOVERNMENT
SERVICE. IN PARTICULAR, DESCRIBE ANY AGREE:rv.lENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS, OR OPTIONS
TO RETURN TO YOUR CURRENT POSITION.

I have no agreements with any organization or person for post-government employment. When I leave
government service, I plan to retire and pursue an academic career to share the knowledge I have
gained with future engineers and leaders.

24.

IF YOU ARE PRESENTLY IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE, DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS OF SUCH
SERVICE, HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM A PERSON OUTSIDE OF GOVERNMENT AN OFFER OR
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO EMPLOY YOUR SERVICES AFTER YOU LEAVE GOVERNMENT
SERVICE? IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.

No
25.

IS YOUR SPOUSE EMPLOYED? IF YES AND THE NATURE OF THIS EMPLOYMENT IS RELATED

IN ANY WAY TO THE POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE SEEK.ING CONFIRMATION, PLEASE
INDICATE YOUR SPOUSE'S EMPLOYER, THE POSITION, AND THE LENGTH OF TIME THE
POSITION HAS BEEN HELD. IF YOUR SPOUSE'S EMPLOYMENT IS NOT RELATED TO THE
POSITION TO WHICH YOU HAVE BEENNO:MINATED, PLEASE SO STATE.

Spouse is not employed.

26. LIST BELOW ALL CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, FOUNDATIONS, TRUSTS, OR OTHER
ENTITIES TOWARD WIDCH YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE HAVE FIDUCIARY OBLIGATIONS OR IN
WHICH YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE HAVE HELD DIRECTORSHIPS OR OTHER POSITIONS OF TRUST
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

INFORMATION REDACTED

27.

LIST ALL GIFTS EXCEEDING $100 INVALOE RECEIVED DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS BY
YOU, YOUR SPOUSE, OR YOUR DEPENDENTS. (NOTE: GIFTS RECEIVED FROM RELATIVES
AND GIFTS GIVEN TO YOUR SPOUSE OR DEPENDENT NEED NOT BE INCLUDED UNLESS THE
GIFT WAS GIVEN WITH YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND ACQUIESCENCE AND YOU HAD REASON TO
BELIBVE THE GIFT WAS GIVEN BECAUSE OF YOUR OFFICIAL POSITION.)

Attendance at Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner hosted by the National Space Club and Foundation
in 2014 and 2017 (for myself and my wife)
Attendance at ~merican Institute of Aeronautics and Astro.nautics Spotlight Awards Dinner in 2014,
2015, and 2018 (for myself and my wife or daughter)
2015 Robert J. Collier Trophy Dinner hosted by the National Aeronautic Association for the award of
the Collier Trophy to the NASA/JPL Dawn Team (f<,r myself and wife)

28. LIST ALL SECURITIES, REAL PROPERTY, PARTNERSIDP INTERESTS, OR OTHER INVESTMENTS
OR RECEIVABLES WITH A CURRENT MARKET VALUE (OR, IF MARKET VALUE IS NOT
ASCERTAINABLE, ESTIMATED CURRENT FAIR VALUE) IN EXCESS OF $1,000. (NOTE: THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO SCHEDULE A OF THE DISCLOSURE FORMS OF THE
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETIIlCS MAY BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, PROVIDED THAT
CURRENT VALUATIONS ARE USED.)
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

VALUE

METHOD OF VALUATION

Please see my OGE-278e, which was completed using current valuations.

29. LIST ALL LOANS OR OTHER INDEBTEDNESS (INCLUDING ANY CONTINGENT LIABil,ITIES) IN
EXCESS OF $10,000. EXCLUDE A MORTGAGE ON YOUR PERSONAL RESIDENCE UNLESS IT IS
RENTED OUT, AND LOANS SECURED BY AUTOMOBILES, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, OR
APPLIANCES. (NOTE: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO SCHEDULE C OF THE
DISCLOSURE FORM OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS MAY BE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE, PROVIDED THAT CONTINGENT LIABILITIES ARE ALSO INCLUDED.)
NATURE OF OBLIGATION

NAME OF OBLIGEE

AMOUNT

Please see my OGE-278e.. Contingent liabilities are included.

30. ARE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE NOW IN DEFAULT ON ANY LOAN, DEBT, OR OTHER FINANCIAL
OBLIGATION? HAVE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE BEEN IN DEFAULT ON ANY LOAN, DEBT, OR
OTHER FINANCIAL OBLIGATION IN THE PAST TEN YEARS? HAVE YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE
EVER BEEN REFUSED CREDIT OR HAD A LOAN APPLICATION DENIED? IF THE ANSWER TO
ANY OF THESE Q(JESTIONS IS YES, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.
No

31. LIST THE SPECIFIC SOURCES AND AMOUNTS OF ALL INCOME RECEIVED DURJNG THE LAST
FIVE YEARS, INCLUDING ALL SALARIES, FEES, DIVIDENDS, INTEREST, GIFTS, RENTS,
ROYALTIES, PATENTS, HONORARIA, AND OTHER ITEMS EXCEEDING $200. (COPIES OF U.S.
INCOME TAX RETURNS FOR THESE YEARS MAY BE SUBSTITUTED HERE, BUT THEIR
SUBMISSION IS NOT REQUIRED.)

INFORMATION REDACTED

32. IF ASKED, WILL YOU PROVIDE THE COMl\.1IITEE WITH COPIES OF YOUR AND YOUR SPOUSE'S
FEDERAL INCOI\.1E TAX RETURNS FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS?
Yes

33. LIST ALL nJRISDICTIONS IN WIDCH YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE FILE ANNUAL INCOME TAX
RETURNS.

Federal
Commonwealth of Virginia
34. HAVE YOUR FEDERAL OR STATE TAX RETURNS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF AN AUDIT,
INVESTIGATION, OR INQUIRY AT ANY TIME? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS, INCLUDING
THE RESULT OF ANY SUCHPROCEEDING.

No
35. IF YOU ARE AN ATTORNEY, ACCOUNTANT, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL, PLEASE LIST ALL
CLIENTS AND CUSTOMERS WHOM YOU BILLED MORE THAN $200 WORTH OF SERVICES
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS. ALSO, LIST ALL JURISDICTIONS IN WHICH YOU ARE
LICENSED TO PRACTICE.

NIA
36. DO YOU INTEND TO PLACE YOUR FINANCIAL HOLDINGS AND THOSE OF YOUR SPOUSE AND
DEPENDENT lVIBMBERS OF YOUR IMMEDIATE HOUSEHOLD IN A BLIND TRUST? IF YES,
PLEASE FURNISH DETAil,S. IF NO, DESCRIBE OTHER ARRANGE:rv.IBNTS FOR A VOIDING ANY
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

I do not intend to pJace any of my or my spouse's financial holdings in a blind tmst. If an actual or
apparent conflicts of interests should arise, I will consult with my Designated Agency Ethics Official and
take appropriate steps to mitigate or eliminate any actual or apparent conflicts of interests.
37.

IF APPLICABLE, LIST THE LAST THREE YEARS OF ANNUAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORTS
YOU HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO FILE WITH YOUR AGENCY, DEPARTMENT, OR BRANCH OF
GOVERNMENT. IF ASKED, WILL YOU PROVIDE A COPY OF THESE REPORTS?

Yes. I have filed an OGE-278 for the last 3 years and will provide copies if requested.

PART· E - ETHICAL MATTERS
38. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING OR CITED FOR A
BREACH OF ETIIlCS OR UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT BY, OR BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A
COMPLAINT TO, ANY COURT, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION,
DISCIPLINARY COl'v1lV.IITTEE, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL GROUP?· IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE
DETAILS.

No
39. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INVESTIGATED, HELD, ARRESTED, OR CHARGED BY ANY FEDERAL,
STATE, OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY FOR VIOLATION OF ANY FEDERAL
STATE, COUNTY, OR MUNICIPAL LAW, REGULATION, OR ORDINANCE, OTHER THAN A MINOR
TRAFFIC OFFENSE, OR NAMED AS A DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE IN ANY INDICT1\.1ENT OR
INFORMATION RELATING TO SUCH VIOLATION? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.

No

40. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF OR ENTERED A PLEA OF GUILTY OR NOLO
CONTENDERE TO ANY CRIMINAL VIOLATION OTHER THAN A :MINOR TRAFFIC OFFENSE? IF
SO, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.
No

41. ARE YOU PRESENTLY OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN APARTY IN JNTEREST IN ANY
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY PROCEEDING OR CIVIL LITIGATION? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE
DETAILS.

No
42. HAVE YOU BEEN INTERVIEWED OR ASKED TO SUPPLY ANY INFORMATION AS A WITNESS OR

OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY CONGRESSIONAL INVEST~GATION, FEDERAL, OR
STATE AGENCY PROCEEDING, GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION, OR CRIMINAL OR CIVIL
LITIGATION IN THE PAST TEN YEARS? IF SO, PLEASE PROVIDE DETAil,S.

I have not been interviewed or asked to supply information for investigations, proceedings or litigation
as enumerated in this question. As part of my official duties as a Federal Em.ployee, I have provided
testimony to Congress on muitiple occasions. ·My Congressional testimony from the last 10 years is
detailed in my response to Question 13 above.

43. HAS ANY BUSINESS OF WHICH YOU ARE OR WERE AN OFFICER, DIRECTOR, OR PARTNER
BEEN A PARTY TO ANY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY PROCEEDING OR CRIMINAL OR CIVIL
LITIGATIONRELEVANT TO THEPOSITIONTOWIDCHYOUHAVEBEENNOMINATED? IF SO,
PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. (WITH RESPECT TO A BUSINESS OF WIITCH YOU ARE OR WERE
AN OFFICER, YOU NEED ONLY CONSIDER PROCEEDINGS AND LITIGATION THAT OCCURRED
WIDLE YOU WERE AN OFFiCER OF THAT BUSINESS.)
No

44. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THE SUBJECT OF ANY INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATION? IF SO,
PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.
No

PART F - SECURITY INFORMATION
45. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DENIED ANY SECURITY CLEARANCE OR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED
INFORMATION FOR ANY REASON? IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN IN DETAil,.
No

46. HAVE YOU BEEN REQUIRED TO TAKE A POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION FOR ANY SECURITY
CLEARANCE OR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION? IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN.
Yes, as part ofmy official duties as NASA Chief Engineer and Associate Administrator.

.

47. HAVE YOU EVER REFUSED TO SUBMIT TO A POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION? IF YES, PLEASE
EXPLAIN.
No

PART G .. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
48. DESCRIBE IN YOUR OWN WORDS THE CONCEPT OF CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF U.S.
INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES. IN PARTICULAR, CHARACTERIZE WHAT YOU BELIEVE TO BE
THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE AND
TIIE INTELLIGENCE CO:MMIITEES OF THE CONGRESS, RESPECTIVELY, IN THE OVERSIGHT
PROCESS.
Oversight and independ~nt assessm~nt in general is necessary for any organization to be successful and
to validate its benefit to the greater community that it serves. Congressional oversight of intelligence
activities is critical because the nature of intelligence activities and systems is not broadly available for
review and scrutiny by the public as are other programs. Specifically, oversig.ht is a fundamental role of
the Congress and, in the case of intelligence programs, has been invested in the intelligence committees
to review the programs, activities and budgets of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) as well as
any other matter of inter~st.
The responsibility of the Director of the NRO is to provide timely and accurate informatioi:a to the
Congress. The Director of the NRO has a responsibility to keep the Congress "fully and currently"
informed of ongoing and planned activities so.that Congress can make fully informed legislative
recommendations regarding programs, budgets a1_1d other matters which the committees consider
appropriate and necessary.

49. EXPLAIN YOUR UNDERSTAM)ING OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE
NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE.
To quote the official responsibiliti~: "The Director of the NRO (D/NRO) is responsible the Secretary of
Defense (SecDef) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) for all national space and assigned
airborne reconnaissance activities. The D/NRO provides top-level management direction to the NRO in
response to SecDef and DNI requirements." To me this means that the Director is responsible to
implement the direction and policies.of the SecDef and DNI to provide space and airborne systems that
are required to support the intelligence and defense needs of the United States. Importantly, this means
that the D/NRO must develop a capab_le workforce, foster effective teams and partnerships internal to
NR,O and among many partners that the NRO supports, assure effective management of assigned
activities, and report to the Congress, DNI, SecDef, and others as needed to ensure a common
understanding of progress and challenges.

AFFIRMATION

I, CHRISTOPHER SCOLESE, DO SWEAR THAT TIIE ANSWERS I HAVE PROVIDED TO TIIlS
QUESTIONNAIRE ARE ACCURATE AND COMPLETE.
.

February 27, 2019
(Date)

_

SIGNATURE OF CHRISTOPHER SCOLESE
----······--·-·------Christopher Scolese

F IAL EAL-

~Jl(. 1«~
NOTARY PUBLIC

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND·

MY COMMISSION EXPiRES DEC. lj, 7019 !~

SIGNATURE OF NOTARY
(Notary)-

TO THE CHAIRMAN, SELECT COMlvllTTEE ON INTELLlGENCE:
In connection with my nomination to be the Director of the National
Reconnaissance Office, I hereby express my willingness to respond to requests to
appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate.

SIGNATURE OF CHRISTOPHER SCOLESE

Signature

Date: February 27, 2019