Selection Process

  • The NASA LEADS application will be available in Talent Marketplace from September 13th-October 4th, 2025. Please plan ahead, as the application requires supervisor endorsement and completing essay questions.
  • Applications go through an initial eligibility screening for:
    • Completeness (questions and essay questions)
    • Supervisor endorsement
    • GS/NEX grade
    • Job series.
    • Applicants who are not eligible and their supervisors will be notified as soon as the initial screening is complete.
  • Eligible applications sent to members of an initial selection panel:
    • 3 reviewers will evaluate each application
    • Reviewers are Senior GS-15+ in Science & Science-Related fields
    • Responses to six essay questions in the applications will be scored from 0-5 and given a final recommendation of “highly recommend,” “recommend,” “recommend with reservations” or “do not recommend”
    • Recommendation Scores will be averaged with the independent evaluations from all Reviewers
    • If the standard deviation of the Recommendation Score is very large, an additional Reviewer will be sought 
  • All eligible applicants and their supervisors will be notified of the selection outcomes at this time.
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Informational Sessions

Join our supervisor and participant sessions to learn more.

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Program Eligibility

Who qualifies for the program?

Program Application

Visit Talent Marketplace to apply.

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Who to Contact

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