NASA Receives 12th Successive ‘Clean’ Financial Audit Rating

For the 12th consecutive year, NASA has received an unmodified or “clean” opinion from an external auditor on its fiscal year 2022 financial statements.

The rating is the best possible audit opinion, certifying that NASA’s financial statements conform with accepted accounting principles for federal agencies and accurately present the agency’s financial position.

“Financial stewardship at NASA is not only imperative to mission success; it’s critical to upholding the trust that is expected of every federal agency. Our responsibility is to deliver reliable, accurate, and comprehensive financial data as well as transparency regarding our fiscal operations,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “This report is just one way NASA demonstrates an ongoing commitment to complete and reliable performance and financial data. What it makes clear is NASA follows high-quality financial reporting practices, ensuring appropriate controls with efficient and effective management of appropriated and reimbursable NASA funds.”

NASA’s FY22 Agency Financial Report (AFR) provides transparency into NASA’s strategic and operational posture and results by presenting a complete presentation of financials in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

The AFR presents the agency’s progress over the past year, including the launch into orbit of the James Webb Space Telescope as the most advanced deep space observation telescope ever assembled. It also includes NASA’s Moon to Mars objectives, which will help the agency and its partners chart our future together in deep space. The steady progress of the Artemis program, which includes sending astronauts to the Moon, also is outlined in the report.

“The FY 2022 financial statements and accompanying information reflect our commitment to advancing NASA’s mission and the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities of combatting the climate crisis; advancing American leadership in space and aeronautics; promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and driving economic growth,” said NASA Chief Financial Officer Margaret Vo Schaus. “We remain committed to fostering a culture and workforce that is innovative, inclusive, diverse, and committed to utilizing the skills and ideas of everyone to meet our common goals and objectives.”

Nelson and Schaus stressed their commitment to promoting a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the organization, with partners and stakeholders, with NASA’s launch of the 2022 DEIA Strategic Plan and integrating DEIA into the NASA mission. “Our achievements are only possible because of our diverse, dedicated, and strong workforce, and we are proud that NASA has been named, for the 10th consecutive year, the Best Place to Work in the Federal Government among large agencies,” said Nelson.

The agency produces its AFR as well as its Annual Performance Report (APR). NASA provides its APR as part of its annual Volume of Integrated Performance (VIPer). The VIPer reports prior year performance with an updated performance plan for the current fiscal year, and a proposed performance plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The VIPer is published in conjunction with the President’s Budget Request.