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From Jpl Rebadging

Here is the latest information and updates regarding the rebadging process at JPL.

6/1/2007

• Bad news: Dana Edler, communications specialist at JPL, has indicated verbally that she has heard back from the lawyers regarding earlier requests to modify SF85 in order to protect at least some of our privacy rights. The lawyers have indicated definitively that no modification of SF85 will be allowed, and that a single extraneous comment will invalidate it.

• Amanda Beckman-Hezel informs us that the JPL rebadging program will cost JPL $6 million. This is an unfunded NASA mandate, so it will be funded out of burden funds which could otherwise go to fund new research and technology development, infrastructure improvement (such as buildings and parking), and employee awards. Note, $6 million is not the entire cost of rebadging, that is just the JPL cost. NASA will bear the cost of the background investigations.

• See the of JPL rebadging web site for official information. It is an excellent resource, but remember that it is limited to explaining rules and the "benefits" of rebadging. It contains an extensive 10-section FAQ, but no acknowledgment of any controversy! This contrasts remarkably with the information in the wiki, and the points people have raised at the rebadging information sessions.

5/29/2007

Today, Amanda Beckman-Hezel gave the following updates:

• The fingerprint readers are not ready, and so fingerprints on paper cards will be taken instead. When the electronic fingerprint reader is available, people will need to go back to get their fingerprints taken electronically as well.

• She will try to find out what limitations, if any, there are for the open-ended release form at the end of the SF85. For example, if the investigators want to investigate medical records, do they need another release or does the SF85 release cover everything? She will provide information within a week. In the meantime, people concerned about it can delay filling out the SF85.

• JPLers are supposed to respond in 10 days to the email invitation for the SF85. This is because the account they open is good for 30 days, and they want 20 days to process the package.