The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Government Shutdown Contingency Plan

Background

According to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO):

When the United States needs eyes and ears in critical places where no human can reach – be it over the most rugged terrain or through the most hostile territory – it turns to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The NRO is the U.S. Government agency in charge of designing, building, launching, and maintaining America’s intelligence satellites. Whether creating the latest innovations in satellite technology, contracting with the most cost-efficient industrial supplier, conducting rigorous launch schedules, or providing the highest-quality products to our customers, we never lose focus on who we are working to protect: our Nation and its citizens.

From our inception in 1961 to our declassification to the public in 1992, we have worked tirelessly to provide the best reconnaissance support possible to the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD). We are unwavering in our dedication to fulfilling our vision: Supra Et Ultra: Above and Beyond.

With such a critical role for America’s safety, what happens to the agency when the government “shuts down” due to a lack/lapse of funds?

In December of 2016, I requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) a copy of that plan.

In February of 2017 – it was declassified:

Declassified Documents

 Planning for Potential Lapse in Funding, 25 September 2015 [9 Pages, 1.9MB]

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