The Institute of Navigation

GOVERNMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ION Government Fellows Program

What is the ION Government Fellows Program?– Congressional Fellow– Executive Fellow

What does a Congressional/Executive Fellow do?– Activities– Obligations– Experiences of Recent Fellows

Who is eligible?– Is this the right opportunity for me?– How are fellows placed in Washington, D.C.?

What costs are covered/involved?

Purpose of the Program

“To offer ION members a unique educational experience while providing Congress (or the Executive Branch) a resource of technical experience and private sector perspectives that will help foster effective public policy on the issues that affect our society and our profession.”

ION Fellowship Opportunities

Congressional Fellow– Serves as a Science and Technology staffer for a

member of Congress or a congressional committee– Outgoing Congressional Fellow can assist incoming

fellow in identifying opportunities

Executive Fellow– Serves as a science and technology advisor in an

executive department– There are known opportunities within the U.S. State

and Commerce Departments

Fellowship Activities

Support a member of Congress, or department, or committee– Typically one calendar year– An extension of up to 3 months may be authorized by the ION

Council Activities include:

– Providing unbiased advice on science and technology policy– Preparing for and attending hearings– Working on legislation– Preparing for and attending meetings and briefings– Conducting research– Corresponding with constituents and others– Preparing talking points for TV interviews and public speeches– Interacting with lobbyists, special interest groups, state visitors,

etc.

Obligations of a Fellow

The fellow’s first allegiance is to the member or department or committee where he/she serves– You are an insider– You will not lobby in behalf of any outside agency, person or

organization– You will protect confidential proceedings and discussions from

untimely disclosure

Report to the ION:– At June and January Council meetings– Write a quarterly column for the ION Newsletter– Provide timely reports to ION and “heads-up” on pending

legislation or executive actions of interest to the ION membership subject to confidentiality constraints

Previous Fellows

PHIL WARD, 2001-2002– Served with Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.)– Influenced policy on GPS “NAVWAR” and

RFI attributable to UWB services

CLARK COHEN, 2002-2003– Served with Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.)– Advised on “CAFÉ” policy– Investigated “Special Purpose Entities”

established between banks and Enron, Inc.

Why Should I Apply?

“The most stimulating professional experience of my career.”– Phil Ward

“Could I ever forgive myself for passing up the opportunity for total immersion in one of the most important and powerful institutions affecting American life?”– Clark Cohen

Is This the Right Opportunity for Me?

Am I interested in public service?

Do I flourish when working under intense time pressures?

Am I adaptable in rapidly evolving situations?

Is this the right time for me to apply?– A sabbatical year for university faculty– Retiring from active military service– Financially secure self-employed (consultant)– Considering a career change– Candidate for a corporate sponsored IPA or equivalent support

HOWEVER: You cannot represent the interests of that company

Who Is Eligible?

At least EIGHT YEARS responsible experience in navigation or engineering programs

– Industry, university, consulting– OR six years + master’s in engineering or qualified science– OR three years + doctoral degree

U.S. Citizen

ION member when application is filed– Membership costs $75.00/year

Application filed by March 15 of each year– See ION Website for application forms

ION Selection Committee interviews– Before or during ION Annual Meeting – Annual Meeting held in June

Placement Process

Once approved by the ION:

– Distribute CV to congressional members/committees or executive departments

– Attend AAAS sponsored training session in Washington, DC during September

– Interview for placement with a member of congress, or a congressional committee, or in an executive department

– It is advisable that you be comfortable with the political orientation of your assignment

What Costs Are Covered?

Transportation, lodging, and tuition for the AAAS orientation session

Relocation to Washington, D.C. and return after completing service– Up to $8,000 for two-way expenses

Stipend of $70,000 (as of 2015)– One calendar year– Paid monthly

Travel, lodging, and registration fees for attendance at ION NTM and Annual Meetings

For More Information

Visit the ION Website at: http://www.ion.org

– All fellowship program details

– Application forms

– Reports from previous fellows