Employee Orientation

Dryden Orientation Home

Compensation

Academic/Tuition Assistance
DFRC offers several academic programs designed to aid employees who wish to further their education at an accredited college or university. DFRC's academic programs are:

Continuing Education Program (CEP)
Under this program, employees who have worked at DFRC for at least one year may pursue an undergraduate education on a part-time basis through an accredited college or university. While this program is not intended for the sole purpose of obtaining an undergraduate degree, that may be the end result. A total of 8 courses may be taken during any single academic year. Employees are required to maintain a 2.5 grade point average at all times in the program, as well as perform a full 40-hour work week. Supervisors may place CEP participants on an alternative work schedule to accommodate their educational requirements but are not required to do so. Upon expiration of the program, CEP participants must return to service at the Center for a period equal to three times the length of the training period. Participants are competitively selected in the Spring.
Graduate Studies Program (GSP)
Under this program, employees who have worked at DFRC for at least three years may earn a graduate-level education on either a full- or part-time basis through an accredited college or university. While this program is also not intended for the sole purpose of obtaining an advanced degree, that may be the end result. Full-time participants are required to complete 12-15 units per quarter (usually 4-5 classes); part-time participants must complete a minimum of 3 units per quarter (usually 1 class). Employees are not required to maintain their 40-hour work week; however, participants must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average throughout the duration of the program. Upon expiration of the program, GSP participants must return to service at the Center for a period equal to three times the length of the training period. Participants are competitively selected in the Spring.
Tuition Assistance
For employees with at least one year of service taking academic classes that are directly related to their position but do not fall into either academic program, tuition assistance may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Employees are required to perform their full 40-hour work week while receiving tuition assistance. Supervisors may place employees receiving tuition assistance on an alternative work schedule to accommodate their educational requirements but are not required to do so. Tuition assistance may be requested year round. For more information on DFRC's comprehensive training program, contact the Training Office Staff at extension 2501 or DFRC's Graduate School , USDA office at extension 2453.

Annual Leave/Vacation
For non-SES Federal employees, annual leave is earned based on the number of years they have worked in the Federal service. The table below details the amount of annual leave that full-time Federal employees earn at any particular time during their service unless otherwise stated in a "leave restriction memo." The "leave year" generally runs from the first day of the year's first full pay period and ends on the day immediately before the first day of the next year's first full pay period.

**Full-Time Employees**
Years of Service	Annual Leave Earned per Pay Period	Annual Leave Earned per Year
Less than 3	4 hours	13 days
3-15	6 hours	20 days
15+	8 hours	26 days

Except for emergencies, employees are not allowed to take annual leave without prior consent from their immediate supervisor. Most Federal employees are allowed to accumulate up to 30 days (240 hours) of annual leave per leave year. Excess annual leave above 240 hours must be used by the end of the leave year or it is forfeited under the "use or lose" system. Generally, upon separation from Federal employment, employees are entitled to a lump-sum payment equal to the pay the employee would have received if they had remained employed until their annual leave ran out. In the event of an employee's death, their surviving family becomes eligible to receive this payment. NASA currently advances annual leave for the entire year to all employees. When taking advanced paid leave, be aware that if you should separate from employment before you have worked long enough to earn it back, you will be required to pay NASA your hourly salary for every hour you took off using advanced leave. Members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) are governed by a particular set of policies regarding accrual and use of annual leave. SES members can accumulate up to 90 days (720 hours) of annual leave that can be carried over from one leave year to another. Prior to 1994, SES members were exempt from the non-SES employees' "leave ceiling," but currently, an SES member's annual earned leave, in excess of 90 days, must be used by the end of the leave year or it is forfeited. A grandfather clause in the 1994 "use-or-lose" SES guidelines, however, allowed prior SES members with annual leave in excess of 90 days to retain it; therefore, some SES members may currently have annual leave in excess of 90 days that is exempt from forfeiture.

Sick Leave
Full-time Federal employees earn 13 days of sick leave per year (4 hours per pay period) unless otherwise stated in a "leave restriction memo." Part-time employees earn one hour for every 20 hours in a pay status. Due to its nature, prior authorization is not required for sick leave, except in cases where the employee knows he or she will be unable to work (such as in the case of medical or dental appointments, etc.). However, when taking a day of sick leave, it is the employee’s responsibility to notify the immediate supervisors within two hours after the scheduled arrival time. If the illness lasts longer than three business days, an employee may be required to produce documentation from a physician or medical practitioner indicating appointments kept and/or treatments undergone. There may also be a requirement to receive clearance from the DFRC Health Unit. There is no limit to the amount of sick leave that can be accrued. FERS employees forfeit sick leave upon separation or retirement from Federal employment. If the employee later becomes reemployed, however, his or her sick leave may be restored. Retiring CSRS employees may use their sick leave balance towards the computation of their length of service, but this does not apply to FERS employees.
Annual Salary
Current Federal salary schedules are available on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) web site at http://www.opm.gov/oca/payrates/index.htm. Contractors are paid by the companies they work for under those companies’ pay systems
Annual Salary Increases & Locality Pay
Salaries and Wages: Salaries vary with the three types of positions, general schedule, federal wage system, and senior executive service. See http://www.opm.gov/oca/payrates/index.htm for details.
Locality Pay Rates
Dryden falls within the Los Angeles area for locality pay. See http://www.opm.gov/oca/payrates/index.htm for details.
Cash Awards
Dryden and NASA offer a variety of awards for superior performance in different categories. Many of these awards for civil servants involve cash payments, which cannot be provided for contractor awards.
Other Awards
Employees at Dryden are eligible for a wide variety of awards ranging from those given out by NASA as an agency to local peer awards.
Time-off Awards
Time off from work without loss of pay or charge to leave is granted to recognize an individual employee’s or group of employees’ superior accomplishment or other personal efforts. A Time-Off Award may be granted along with other forms of awards, as long as the total value of the award given reflects the value of the contribution being recognized.
Family Leave
Under the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), unpaid leave must be made available to employees, under certain circumstances, for up to 12 administrative weeks within any 12 month period. FMLA unpaid leave may be taken in addition to annual leave, sick leave, and compensatory time. Circumstances under which FMLA unpaid leave may be taken include: 1) the birth of a child and care of a newborn (through the first year after birth); 2) the placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care (through the first year after placement); 3) care for a family member with a serious health condition. 4) a serious health condition on the part of the employee. Upon return to work, the employee is guaranteed a return to the same or equivalent position with the same or equivalent benefits, pay, and status.
Health Benefits
The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program is open to almost all full-time, part-time, and term Federal civilian employees, as well as retirees. Employees who are ineligible are those serving their first year in a temporary position and employees who work seasonally or intermittently. For eligible employees, participation in the FEHB is voluntary. Some of the features of the FEHB program are: 1) Rapid Enrollment: Federal employees are eligible to enroll in the FEHB during the second pay period after their starting date, with the initial enrollment period extended for up to sixty days after hire; 2) no physical examination is required for initial enrollment and no employee is denied coverage because of age, current health, or preexisting conditions; 3) benefits are effective the first full pay period after paperwork is received in the Human Resources, Management, and Development Office.
Life Insurance
All Federal employees, with the exception of temporary and intermittent employees, are automatically enrolled under the Federal Group Life Insurance’s basic policy upon hire unless they specifically state in writing to they do not want to be enrolled. The FEGLI program is a group policy that is underwritten by a large number of insurance companies for the purpose of providing two kinds of coverage: 1) life insurance without a medical examination, and 2) accidental death and dismemberment insurance. The cost of Basic Life Insurance is shared by the employee and the government. The employee's share is 2/3 the cost of the policy; it is withheld directly from the employee's salary.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Federal employees are eligible to purchase long-term care insurance to provide coverage for long-term care that they may need if they become unable to care for themselves. Information on this program is available at http://nasapeople.nasa.gov/employeebenefits/benefits/fltcip.htm.
Retirement
Most employees at NASA participate in either the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Both systems are "defined benefit" plans, in which specific criteria (such as length of service and average salary) determine eligibility and benefits. An optional plan available to Federal employees is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a "defined contribution" plan comparable to private-sector 401(k) plans. Generally, employees first hired into Federal service after December 31, 1983 , are covered under FERS. These employees are able to participate fully in the TSP, which was designed specifically to complement the coverage employees receive through FERS and Social Security upon retirement. FERS participants also participate in the Social Security system, which is a defined benefit plan separate from, and in addition to, benefits received from FERS. Generally, employees hired before 1984, who have not authorized a conversion to FERS during a Federal open season, are covered by CSRS. These employees are not covered by Social Security, and their eligibility to participate in the TSP has certain restrictions that FERS employees do not. For detailed information on these programs, consult http://nasapeople.nasa.gov/employeebenefits/retirement/default.htm.
Thrift Savings Plan
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings program comparable to private-sector 401(k) plans. It is managed by an independent Federal agency called the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. Employees enrolled in the plan contribute a portion of their salaries to their retirement account on a pre-tax basis to be invested. Enrollment occurs only during two "open seasons" per year, as do changes to contribution amounts and changes of investment elections. New employees are eligible right away and have 60 days to make an election. Enrollment is effective the next pay period after the Human Resources office receives their election form. For more specifics on the TSP, including Annual Return Rate tables and guidelines for withdrawal of TSP investments, consult the Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal Employees, available through the Human Resources, Management, and Development Office (extension 2810). You may also visit the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board websites at http://www.frtib.gov and http://www.tsp.gov or review the current Federal Employees Almanac.

Employee Development

Academic/Tuition Assistance
DFRC also offers several academic programs, designed to aid employees who wish to further their education at an accredited college or university. DFRC's academic programs are:
- Continuing Education Program (CEP). Under this program, employees who have worked at DFRC for at least one year may pursue an undergraduate education on a part-time basis through an accredited college or university. While this program is not intended for the sole purpose of obtaining an undergraduate degree, that may be the end result. A total of 8 courses may be taken during any single academic year. Employees are required to maintain a 2.5 grade point average at all times in the program, as well as perform a full 40-hour work week. Supervisors may place CEP participants on an alternative work schedule to accommodate their educational requirements but are not required to do so. Upon expiration of the program, CEP participants must return to service at the Center for a period equal to three times the length of the training period. Participants are competitively selected in the Spring each year.
- Graduate Studies Program (GSP). Under this program, employees who have worked at DFRC for at least three years may earn a graduate level education on either a full- or part-time basis through an accredited college or university. While this program is also not intended for the sole purpose of obtaining an advanced degree, that may be the end result. Full-time participants are required to complete 12-15 units per quarter (usually 4-5 classes); part-time participants must complete a minimum of 3 units per quarter (usually 1 class). Employees are not required to maintain their 40-hour work week; however, participants must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average throughout the duration of the program. Upon expiration of the program, GSP participants must return to service at the Center for a period equal to three times the length of the training period. Participants are competitively selected in Spring.
- Tuition Assistance. For employees with at least one year of service taking academic classes that are directly related to their position but do not fall into either CEP or GSP, tuition assistance may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Employees are required to perform their full 40-hour work week while receiving tuition assistance. Supervisors may place employees receiving tuition assistance on an alternative work schedule to accommodate their educational requirements but are not required to do so. Tuition assistance may be requested year round.
Career Development/Career Counseling
NASA is experiencing a time of dynamic change. Created to challenge the known limits of science and engineering, NASA led many of the technological changes that shape our society today. Being part of this great technological revolution of the late twentieth century, we are aware that technology is not the only thing that is changing. NASA is in the process of developing career development roadmaps for various disciplines, but basically, the agency looks at each individual as potentially capable of following dual career paths―one in a technical area such as engineering, administration, or science, another as a leader. Those employees who are so inclined can pursue both technical and leadership training and development at the same time. Supervisors and human resource specialists can provide career counseling to individual employees who hope to pursue one or both paths.

Co-op Program
The NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program is designed to provide work experience to undergraduate and graduate college students who are pursuing degrees in fields related to Dryden research. The majority of the co-ops are aeronautical/aerospace, electrical, and mechanical engineering majors, but the program also includes students working with administrative personnel. Co-op work/school schedules are determined on an individual basis. Not all students will spend the same length of time working at DFRC before returning to school and the same is true of the length of time students spend in school before returning to DFRC. When the Co-op student obtains a degree, DFRC is allowed to non-competitively convert him or her to a career-conditional or term appointment within 120 days.

04.12.05

Hands-on research gives students experience in the NASA working environment.

NASA Science and Technology Scholarship Program (STSP)
NASA is currently developing the Science and Technology Scholarship Program (STSP). This scholarship-for-service program will provide both scholarship and internship opportunities to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical/life sciences. This competitive program seeks students who excel in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to compete for a full scholarship of up to $20,000 per year - in exchange for a commitment to work full-time at a NASA Center or one of its affiliates upon graduation. Additional stipend support of up to $10,000 per year will be provided to support a required internship or research experience at DFRC.
The STSP will attract undergraduate students to NASA from the widest geographic and demographic backgrounds - who are fully representative of America 's racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. NASA will provide full college tuition, plus paid hands-on internships or research experiences at NASA Centers or installations, to attract and prepare the best and brightest students for careers with NASA.

The formal announcement of this program is tentatively scheduled for late spring 2005, so please keep checking this website for the most up-to-date information.

In the meantime, if you know you're interested in competing for the NASA scholarship, please join the mailing list for the STSP by providing your email address below. We will use this address to notify you as soon as the application period begins.
Graduate Student Research Program
The NASA Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) awards fellowships for graduate study leading to masters or doctoral degrees in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering related to NASA research and development. The goal of NASA’s GSRP is to cultivate research ties to the academic community, to help to meet the continuing needs of the Nation’s aeronautics and space effort by increasing the number of highly trained scientists and engineers in aeronautics and space-related disciplines, and to broaden the base of students pursuing advanced degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering. The GSRP is inextricably tied to NASA’s mission of preparing the next generation of explorers, and NASA Research and Development Centers are uniquely designed to provide excellence in aeronautics and space research. Research opportunities are assessed and updated annually to complement the mission requirements of NASA. Research areas are in disciplines that lead to aeronautics and space careers.
Dryden Learning Center
The Dryden Learning Center in Bldg. 4842, together with the Dryden Training Office in the Human Resources Management and Development Office (Rm. 2407 of Bldg. 4800, extension 2501) can provide answers to many training questions, assist in processing forms for training requests, arrange for classrooms, and help individuals enroll in training classes. Call extension 2453 for further information about the services provided by the Learning Center.
Mentoring/Coaching
Various mentoring and coaching opportunities exist at Dryden. Employees desiring mentoring can contact their supervisors. For coaching, they can call Kathleen Christian (extension 2000), who is Dryden’s representative in NASA’s Strategic Coaching Program, or Greg Hayward in the Human Resources, Management, and Development Office (extension 7963).
Training and Development
It is currently NASA policy to make training opportunities available to employees in order to enhance their individual skills. This will allow the agency to build and retain a workforce sufficiently skilled to meet the challenges of the future and maintain its scientific, professional, technical, and management proficiency. Types of training include:
1. On-the-job training (OJT). This type of training is defined as non-classroom training, usually under the guidance of someone more experienced and/or qualified in the performance of the job skills in question, in order to gain proficiency;
2. Job-specific training. Training that most often involves a sequence of studies or demonstrations of proficiency that are formally compared to and judged by an established set of criteria such as updating and maintaining professional knowledge or preparing for anticipated requirements;
3. General training. This includes a variety of training courses designed to fulfill specific needs.

Health Services

Blood Drives
The Red Cross normally holds blood drives at Dryden every quarter.
Employee Assistance Program
The EAP is designed to aid DFRC employees and their families in dealing with personal difficulties that could affect the employee's well-being and performance on the job, thereby jeopardizing fulfillment of DFRC's mission. Dryden’s EAP counseling staff is available to assist with a myriad of personal problems, including: financial problems, self-esteem issues, marital/ health concerns, domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, and job stress. It provides counseling and can make referrals to community sources if necessary. The Employee Assistance Program is a strictly confidential resource available for employees. Requesting and using the counseling and/or referral services of the EAP will not, under any circumstances, negatively affect an employee’s job or future at DFRC. To schedule an appointment, contact the EAP Manager at extension 2000. The EAP office is located in Building 4800 room 1627.
Flexible Leave Program
There are some flexibilities allowed under the various federal leave programs. For example, federal employees can use up to 13 days of sick leave per year to care for sick children. They can combine this with paid annual leave and unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to take care of unusual circumstances in a family.
Health Benefits Program
The Federal Employees Health Benefits program is open to almost all full-time, part-time, and term Federal civilian employees, as well as retirees. Employees who are ineligible are those serving their first year in a temporary position and those who work seasonally or intermittently. For eligible employees, participation in the FEHB is voluntary. Some of the features of the FEHB program are: 1) rapid enrollment: Federal employees are eligible to enroll in the FEHB during the second pay period after their starting date, with the initial enrollment period extended for up to sixty days after hire; 2) no physical examination is required for initial enrollment and no employee is denied coverage because of age, current health, or preexisting conditions; 3) benefits are effective the first full pay period after an employee’s paperwork is received in the Human Resources, Management, and Development Office. Employees at DFRC can choose between two types of plan options: "Fee-for-Service" plans and "Health Maintenance Organizations" (HMOs), each with many different providers to choose from. The premium rates for these providers typically change annually, with the government paying a percentage each pay period. The remainder of the premium is deducted directly from the employee's paycheck.
Health and Safety Training Programs
Various health and safety training courses are available to both civil servant and contractor employees, for example, Red Cross CPR and First Aid, Fire Extinguisher, etc. For further information on these matters, please consult the website at http://xnet.dfrc.nasa.gov/Organizations/SMA/ASAT/index.html . Note that this is an internal Dryden website available only through on-site computers.
Leave Transfer Program
The Leave Transfer Program was designed to aid Federal employees who have exhausted their available leave and are faced with a family or medical emergency that will result in a significant period of time away from work. Under this program, fellow employees can donate annual leave to offset the hardships of taking extended leave without pay. The duration of the absence for which the employee has no available leave must be at least 24 hours for a full-time employee, or 30% of the average number of hours in a part-time employee's regular tour-of-duty. Employees wishing to receive donations of annual leave must first undergo an approval process, which necessitates a written application and supporting documentation (such as certification from a physician of the emergency). While using donated leave, the recipient is paid at his or her pay rate as if taking regularly accrued leave. When the emergency ends, any unused donations are returned to the donors on a prorated basis. Donated leave is not tax-deductible for the donor. The recipient, however, must pay applicable taxes for the donations.
Dryden Fitness Center
The Dryden Fitness Center, located in Bldg. 4809 at the beginning of 2005, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to both civil servants and contractors, but they must obtain a medical clearance through the Health Unit (described below, Bldg. 4822) before use. Among the offerings of the Fitness Center are three classes daily plus cardio equipment, a weight room, and a variety of aerobic classes for all fitness levels. Eventually, there will be a new fitness facility located behind the Health Unit.
Routine and Emergency Medical Services
The DFRC Health Unit is located in Building 4822. Its primary mission is emergency (911) response, but it also provides work-related medical and occupational/preventive services to the entire DFRC workforce, including job certification medical clearances and initial assessment of work-related illnesses or injuries. Certain services such as preventive health examinations are offered to Civil Servants. First-Aid, CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training are provided through the Health Unit, usually on a monthly basis, and are available to all DFRC employees on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information on the services available, please contact the Health Unit staff at extension 3570.
Wellness Seminars
Periodically, often in conjunction with designated safety days, Dryden offers wellness seminars to employees.

Family Friendly Services

Child Care Center (Edwards Air Force Base)
Child care for Dryden employees is available through Edwards AFB’s Child Development Center (CDC), 1208 W. Fitzgerald Blvd., telephone: 8-1-661-275-TOTS. Located in the housing area, the CDC provides developmental care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old for both military members and Department of Defense and NASA civilians. The CDC is open Monday through Friday and is closed all Federal holidays. Hourly care and part-day enrichment programs are available. Saturday hourly care is offered once each month. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are served on a regular basis. All meals are in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. Planned activities include dramatic play, blocks, art, music, reading and writing centers, indoor and outdoor gross motor play, science and language. As part of the creative curriculum, all children are exposed to a variety of developmental activities to promote their social, physical and cognitive growth.
Employee Assistance Program
The EAP is designed to aid DFRC employees and their families in dealing with personal difficulties that could affect the employees’ well-being and performance on the job, thereby jeopardizing fulfillment of DFRC's mission. The EAP counseling staff is available to assist with a myriad of personal problems, including: financial problems, self-esteem issues, marital/ health concerns, domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, and job stress. Counseling is provided, and referrals to community sources may be made if necessary. The Employee Assistance Program is a strictly confidential resource available for employees. Requesting and utilizing the counseling and/or referral services of the EAP will not, under any circumstances, negatively affect an employee’s job or your future at DFRC. To schedule an appointment, contact the EAP Manager at extension 2000. The EAP office is located in Building 4800 room 1627.
Flexible Work Schedules
Most Federal employees' schedules (also called "tours-of-duty") consist of the standard five-day, 40-hour workweek (8 work hours per day). Under certain managerial circumstances, however, different schedule options are available. These options include:

Compressed. Under a compressed work schedule, a full-time employee works 80 hours per pay period but does so in fewer than 10 days. Normally the workdays fall in the Monday-Friday period. Hours should not begin before 6 a.m. and end not later than 6 p.m. The supervisor much approve each schedule in advance, after which it becomes fixed until a new schedule is approved. Each daily schedule may include up to 10 hours of work, though each day need not contain that number of hours. A common compressed schedule includes five 9-hour days in one week and four days in the next, with one day including only 8 hours and one day off. Another schedule includes eight 10-hour workdays and two non-workdays over a two-week period. A compressed schedule must include an unpaid meal period of between one-half hour and an hour.
Flexible. A flexible tour-of-duty consists of five eight-hour days each week, Monday through Friday. Work may start any predetermined time from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Variable-day schedule. This is a variant on the flexible work schedule in which full-time employees are expected to work 40 hours per week over five workdays (generally Monday through Friday), with two consecutive non-workdays. The total number of hours worked each day may vary within procedures established for this purpose. The employee should provide anticipated work schedules in advance to facilitate timekeeping in the event of leave, overtime, travel, or holidays. Each workday must include an unpaid meal period, but it need not match the one-hour limitation. Other variants on the flexible schedule include flexitour and maxiflex, on which see the “NASA Desk Guide on Work Schedules (Tour Types)” by Jim Tingwald, NASA Headquarters, DG-#16, May 2003.
First forty. This is a work schedule that is appropriate when it is impractical to set up a fixed work schedule. Under this schedule, an employee works 40 hours in each work week over no more than six of seven consecutive days. As far as practical, the work should be between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This schedule should be reserved for those whose work is not conducive to a regular schedule.
Part-time. Part-time schedules are available only on positions designated as such in position descriptions. Part-time positions require a 16-32 hour workweek with no more than 9 hours worked on a single day within the pay period. Normal fulfillment of the tour-of-duty must not consist of Saturday or Sunday work.
Irregular/Special. Any tour-of-duty that does not fit into one of the above categories is considered "special" or "irregular." For more information on the alternative work schedules available to Federal employees, consult the Handbook of Alternative Work Schedules (AWS), available from the Human Resources, Management, and Development Office (extension 2810) or on the OPM homepage at http://www.opm.gov/oca/worksch/ .

Leave Programs
Besides annual and sick leave, there are various other leave programs for federal employees. These include:
1. Military leave. Permanent full-time Federal employees who are enlisted in the National Guard or Reserve accrue 120 hours of military leave per year for active duty or active-duty training. Employees earn military pay in addition to their regular salary during times of active duty. Part-time employees earn military leave in the amount of one hour for each hour worked during a regularly scheduled tour-of-duty. For more information, consult the Federal Employees Almanac or contact the Human Resources, Management, and Development Office (extension 2810).
2. Court leave. This is available for Federal employees who are called to court as witnesses on behalf of the U.S. or local government or are called to serve on a jury. Federal employees receive pay during such absences from work without loss of annual leave or compensation. Upon receipt of a court summons, it is the employee's responsibility to obtain approval from his or her immediate supervisor to take court leave, and any jury fees outside of those for mileage may not be retained. An employee’s immediate supervisor will help him or her to determine the appropriate mileage fees, if any, that can be kept.
3. Excused or administrative leave. Circumstances for which an employee may be excused from work without charges to annual leave include: donating blood, closure due to extreme weather, and voting. Excused leave may be obtained through your immediate supervisor as needed, but only the Center Director can authorize bad weather closure.

Dryden Environment

Accommodations/Accessibility
Dryden is located in the Antelope Valley , a stretch of high desert that encompasses southern Kern County and northern Los Angeles County and includes the communities of Lancaster, Palmdale, Rosamond, and Mojave. These communities are within easy driving distance of Los Angeles and the beaches along the Pacific Coast , Hollywood , and many other attractions. The desert surrounding Dryden contains unique plants, including Joshua trees, that cannot be found elsewhere in the United States . The communities surrounding Dryden are also about a three-hour drive from Las Vegas . Rosamond and Mojave are the closest major towns to Dryden but are smaller than Lancaster and Palmdale as well as further from Los Angeles (in case you would like to have ready access to the LA area). A fifth community that is close to Dryden is California City . Many Dryden employees choose to live in Tehachapi, which is located in the mountains and offers both cooler weather in the summer and colder weather in the winter than the other nearby communities. Some internet sites with information about the local area are listed below. Dryden does not endorse any of the commercial establishments linked to these sites but provides these links for the general information of new employees not familiar with the area.

In searching for a place to live near Dryden, the last Web site has links through “Off-base” to “community profiles” with information about chambers of commerce. It would be a good idea for new employees to contact the chamber of commerce in the community they think they might like to live in and get information about what parts of the city are most desirable from various perspectives. There are also other web sites available to check on apartments and their neighborhoods. It will be well worth the time to find a neighborhood where you really want to live and not be tied to an undesirable location by a long lease or purchase. New employees should also avail themselves of househunting trips, temporary lodging benefits, and the like, if the terms of their employment provide them.

The closest major airport to Dryden is Los Angeles International. For maps to Edwards AFB & NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC), click here: (Establish links to http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Dryden/map.html , http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Dryden/detmap.html , and http://www.edwards.af.mil/maps/images/pa-map_072.jpg .)

To get to DFRC, you will need to pass through one of three Edwards Air Force Base gates, guarded by military police with weapons. Probably the easiest entrance for most new employees to find and use is the north gate just south of state route 58, shown on the map at the first link above. The north gate has less traffic than the other two and is easier to get through. Take the exit from route 58 marked Edwards AFB. The western entrance is probably the one used the most by those living in Lancaster, Palmdale, and Rosamond. To get to it, use the Rosamond Blvd. Exit from State Route 14 and follow it east to the gate. To gain access to the base, you will need the letter announcing your employment, a valid driver’s license, plus proof of registration and insurance. Be prepared with a phone number of either Dryden Human Resources or your supervisor in case the gate guards need verification of your employment. If you plan to be accompanied by a non-U.S. citizen, you must apply for access to NASA Dryden and Edwards AFB through your organization head at least 45 days before you arrive. Once on base, be sure to wear your seatbelt and drive no faster than the posted speed limits. From the north gate, proceed south on Rosamond Boulevard to Lilly Drive , turning left at the F-16 aircraft on the corner. Then turn right at the HL-10 aircraft (a lifting body [aircraft without wings]) and proceed to the left turn into a parking area (beyond the row of display aircraft) where you can leave your car and enter Building 4825 at the door marked “visitor control.”

Airfield (Edwards)
This is the military airfield used by Dryden aircraft. For those who fly as a hobby, there are other airfields in the vicinity.
ATM
The Lockheed Federal Credit Union has an ATM located next to Bldg. 4825.
Cafeteria (Dryden) and Various Eating Establishments on Edwards Air Force Base
The Dryden Cafeteria, located in building 4825, is normally open 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For addresses and information about other places to eat on Edwards Air Force Base, see the internet at http://www.edwards.af.mil/base_guide/index.html (Establish link to this site.) Then click “on-base” and “dining facilities”.
Credit Union
A branch of the Lockheed Federal Credit Union is located on site, in Trailer 1, near the Exchange trailer. The Credit Union is a fully-operational branch, with services including checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, IRAs, and money wires. Direct deposit is also available immediately upon joining. LFCU hours of operation are: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m .- 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Credit Union at extension 3625.
Child Care Center (Edwards)
Child care for Dryden employees is available through Edwards AFB’s Child Development Center (CDC)
1208 W. Fitzgerald Blvd. (telephone: 8-1-661-275-TOTS). The CDC, located in the base housing area, provides developmental care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old for both military members and Department of Defense and NASA civilians. The CDC is open Monday through Friday and is closed all federal holidays. Hourly care and part-day enrichment programs are available. Saturday hourly care is offered once each month. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are served on a regular basis. All meals are in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. Planned activities include dramatic play, blocks, art, music, reading and writing centers, indoor and outdoor gross motor play, science and language. As part of the creative curriculum, all children are exposed to a variety of developmental activities to promote their social, physical and cognitive growth.
Discount Tickets
Discount tickets for various events are available through the Dryden Employee Exchange Council (see below).
Dryden Employee Exchange Council
The purpose of the Dryden Employee Exchange Council is to promote activities that contribute to lifting morale at the Center and that are in the social, athletic, educational, and cultural interests of Dryden employees. The Exchange sponsors many of the regular events that have become tradition at Dryden, such as the Summer Picnic, the Holiday Children’s Skating Party, Pizza Nights, and the Holiday Dinner and Dance. Tickets are offered for off-site events such Dodger or Jethawk baseball, Lakers basketball games, plays, concerts, and trips. The Exchange also offers discounted tickets to Southern California 's most famous amusements, including Disneyland , Six Flags' Magic Mountain , Raging Waters, and Knott's Berry Farm. The Exchange receives its income from three sources: the cafeteria, the gift shop, and the vending machines around the Center.
Employee Exchange Gift Shop
The NASA Dryden Employee Exchange Gift Shop offers a wide assortment of NASA merchandise including jackets, shirts, caps, mugs, pens, and patches. Discount tickets to amusement parks and attractions, hotels and Exchange Council sponsored events are also available and can be purchased during normal operating hours. Hours of operation and location :
Trailer-2 (behind the credit union)
Tuesday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Telephone X2113.
Fitness Center
The Dryden Fitness Center (located in Warehouse #3, Bldg. 4809 as of the beginning of 2005) is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to both civil servants and contractors, but they must obtain a medical clearance through the Health Unit (Bldg. 4822) before use. Among the offerings of the Fitness Center are three classes daily. Eventually, there will be a new fitness facility located behind the Health Unit.
Free Parking
Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with surplus parking available outside the main security fence.
Health Unit
The Health Unit in Bldg. 4822 is open 7:30-4:00 with a nurse on site from 6:00 to 7:30 in case of an emergency. The Health Unit staff primarily serves civil servants, but it will treat contractors for job-related health concerns and emergencies. For civil servants, the Health Unit provides job certification physicals, treats workplace illnesses and injuries, and provides travel clearances. It provides health education, promotion, and screening, including periodical physicals.
Library
The Dryden Reference Library in Rm. 2412 of Bldg. 4800 has books, technical reports, periodicals, and other reference material of a more general nature. It also offers interlibrary loan services and DFRC telephone books.
Technical Order Library (Rm. 1114 of Bldg. 4800)
Mealtime Express/Vending Machines
Sponsored by the Dryden Employee Exchange, the Mealtime Express food truck features many of the same items found in the Dryden Cafeteria including the daily specials, all delivered within a few feet of each work area. To have the Mealtime Express deliver to your area, contact the cafeteria manager at extension 3270. Vending machines, also sponsored by the Employee Exchange, are located in many places around the Center.
Muroc Model Masters Club (Edwards)
Employees interested in flying model airplanes can contact http://www.murocmodelmasters.org for information about this club and its activities.
Post Office/Dryden Mail Room
The Dryden Mail Room is located in Warehouse #7 (Bldg. 4832). Besides distributing mail around the Center, the Mail Room staff provides limited postal services. Interoffice mail can be sent by leaving it in your organization's outbox or in the mail drop next to Rm. 1409 of Bldg. 4800. Mail left in your outbox is picked up daily, generally in the afternoon. Mail deposited in the mail drop is picked up in the morning and afternoon. Mail going outside of DFRC is picked up at the same time as interoffice mail. Mail pertaining to official government business does not need to have a postage stamp on it. Metered postage will be affixed by post office staff before the mail leaves DFRC. DFRC employees may also send personal mail out through the DFRC Mail Room. Personal mail must indicate a return address and have appropriate postage affixed before being received by the Mail Room staff. For more information, contact the DFRC Mail Room at extension 3936.
Schools
To find information about local school districts, go to the internet at http://www.edwards.af.mil/base_guide/index.html , click on “off base” and then “community profiles,” where there are phone numbers to call.
Travel Services
The DFRC Travel Office (located in Bldg. 4800, Room 1031) is licensed through CI Travel. Reservations for all DFRC's official government travel must be made through the travel office. In addition, since it is a fully-functioning travel agency, DFRC employees may use it for making personal travel reservations. For more information, contact CI Travel at extension 2375.
Utilities
There does not seem to be any consistent way to find out which utilities are provided by which vendors in the various communities surrounding Dryden. The best advice is to go to http://www.edwards.af.mil/base_guide/index.html , click on “off base” and then “community profiles,” and get the phone number for the chamber of commerce in the community where you want to live. Then call it for information about utilities.

Community Involvement

Blood Drives
The Red Cross normally holds blood drives at Dryden every quarter.
Charitable Drives
Dryden holds a couple of charitable drives including the Holiday Food and Toy Drive and the Combined Federal Campaign.
Educator Resource Center
This Center provides NASA educational materials to educators for grades Kindergarten through 12.
Dryden Tours
The DFRC Public Affairs and Commercialization Office manages the DFRC public tour program. Tours are offered (by reservation only) to organized groups of 15 to 65 people. New employee tours are also offered by reservation. Reservations must be made in advance by calling extension 5247 on site, or (661) 276-3449 off-site. Tours meet and depart from the Integrated Support Facility (ISF) office (bldg. 4825). The tour is approximately 90 minutes long and consists of an informational video on the Dryden Flight Research Center , followed by a walking tour through various areas and hangars on site. It is suggested that all new employees take the DFRC tour to gain familiarity with current and ongoing projects and programs.
Sons and Daughters to Work Day
At various intervals, Dryden holds a sons and daughters to work day in which children of Dryden employees can come to work, learn first-hand what their parents do, and find out about the Dryden mission.
Leave Donor Program
Technically called the Leave Transfer Program, this was designed to aid Federal employees who have exhausted their available leave and are faced with a family or medical emergency that will result in a significant period of time away from work. Under this program, fellow employees can donate annual leave to offset the hardships of taking extended leave without pay. The duration of the absence for which the employee has no available leave must be at least 24 hours for a full-time employee, or 30% of the average number of hours in a part-time employee's regular tour-of-duty. Employees wishing to receive donations of annual leave must first undergo an approval process, which necessitates a written application and supporting documentation (such as certification from a physician of the emergency). While using donated leave, the recipient is paid at his or her pay rate as if taking regularly accrued leave. When the emergency ends, any unused donations are returned to the donors on a prorated basis. Donated leave is not tax-deductible for the donor. The recipient, however, must pay applicable taxes for the donations.
Mission Patches, Posters
The Center provides patches and posters to illustrate the various accomplishments of the Agency.
Science Fair Judging and other Outreach Activities
Employees of the Dryden Space Research Flight Center have opportunities to participate as judges for various science fairs held at local schools in the vicinity. They can also participate in such events as a Math and Science Odyssey for eighth graders to encourage them to continue their studies in math, science, and technology. They can advise local students preparing for robotics competitions, and there are other opportunities for Dryden employees to share their knowledge with others in the Antelope Valley and surrounding areas.
Speaker’s Bureau
Various opportunities exist through the Dryden Speaker’s Bureau for DFRC employees to give talks to outside audiences. To be considered for speaker requests, call X5247 or X3446.
Summer Student Mentoring
The NASA Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP) is a research based mentoring program that is designed for students who excel in science, mathematics, technology, engineering, and geography (SMTEG). The program operates during the summer months at participating NASA Field Installations and selected colleges and universities across the USA . For a minimum of eight weeks each summer, approximately 10 high school students from under-represented ethnic or racial backgrounds participate in the SHARP program at NASA Dryden. After being selected on the basis of their interest and/or aptitude in the scientific or technological fields, students are each assigned to a NASA mentor. Their internship consists of working closely with their mentor to perform research, develop their oral/written presentation skills, and experience many types of multicultural interactions.