Sponsor

Visitor Support Services

Visit www.sura.org/vms to initiate a visitor request.

Scientific visitors to GSFC provide new ideas, needed expertise, and novel perspectives, adding vitality to the Goddard research environment. Visitors benefit from Goddard's scientific and technical expertise, which visitors convey to their home institutes. University based scientists, often partners on missions or projects, can also be a valuable ambassador when representing GSFC at meetings, conferences, etc. In both cases, it may be appropriate for GSFC to cover associated costs and handle the arrangements. As part of our CRESST II Cooperative Agreement, SURA is the CRESST II team member responsible for handling these activities/arrangements.  CRESST II Special Programs Manager manages all visitor requests.

To Arrange for a Visitor

A GSFC sponsor should:

1. Make sure there's a CRESST II visitor task set up that can be used to support the visit. Many GSFC civil servants already have such tasks in place. If not, or if you're not sure, please contact the CRESST II Special Programs Manager or the CRESST II Program Manager.

2. Fill out and submit the on-line CRESST II Visitor Request Form. This can be filled out by the visitor or the sponsor. The sponsor will receive an e-mail confirming desired arrangements.

Visit requests must be made in a timely manner so GSFC security, visa, and reimbursement requests can be accommodated. For unescorted visits by US citizens, requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the arrival of the visitor. For visits by Foreign Nationals, requests should be made at least 4 weeks before the visitor's arrival. Once the visit is entered into the Visitor Management System, the request will progress through the following stages:

• Generate a letter of invitation and travel agreement;

• Request a GSFC Badge, if applicable;

• Arrange for lodging, if desired;

• Notify the visitor and sponsor of the status of the arrangements

Visitors receive an email with an outline of the appointment terms, then a formal letter of invitation, an Agreement for Temporary Appointment form (to be signed and returned before the travel/appointment commences), and an expense voucher form. In general, visitors are expected to purchase tickets plus make hotel and auto rental reservations, and then to seek reimbursement following return to their home institution. However, SURA can arrange for some additional services, such as direct bill at a local hotel under certain circumstances.

CRESST II is not able to pay consulting fees or reimburse travel expenses unless approved through SURA prior to the start of the activity.

For more information regarding visitor travel guidelines, travel documents or to submit a visitor request, please visit the CRESST II Visitor Management System.