Approval to Exceed GSA Lodging for LPSC 2026

This letter from SARA is intended to issue a waiver to NASA grantees participating in LPSC2026, allowing them to be reimbursed on their grants for their actual accommodation, even if it is expected to be greater than the approved GSA amount. This waiver does not replace your establishment’s travel policy if it is more restrictive. Note: I have specified grants (including cooperative agreements). This may also apply to those traveling under contract with NASA, but they should communicate with their contracting officers.

The host hotel for the 57th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, March 16-20, 2026, is the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Hotel information for this conference can be found at https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2026/plan/

The GSA-authorized daily lodging charge for March 2026 for zip code 77380 (for The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center) is $128 per night. Many hotels can be significantly higher than the GSA allowed rate of $128. Beneficiary travelers may need a waiver to cover lodging in excess of the GSA value, depending on your organization’s travel policy. This waiver does not replace your establishment’s travel policy if it is more restrictive.

By the authority vested in me by the NSSC to issue an approval of actual lodging costs for a conference in “bulk” in lieu of individual approvals, I hereby affirm that for the 57th NASA Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, SMD grants may be charged up to $276/night plus taxes and fees, consistent with the average actual conference hotel cost, even if this exceeds the allotted $128 for GSA accommodation for The Woodlands for the month of March. 2026.

THANKS

SARAH