SARA has issued a waiver for NASA grantees attending the 57th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC2026), scheduled for March 16-20, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.
The waiver permits reimbursement for actual lodging costs, even if they exceed the General Services Administration (GSA) approved amount. Specifically, NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) grants may be charged up to $276 per night, plus taxes and fees. This rate is consistent with the average actual cost of the conference hotel, which is significantly higher than the GSA-allowed daily lodging expense of $128 per night for zip code 77380 in March 2026.
This waiver applies to grants, including cooperative agreements, and is issued in bulk to avoid individual approvals. Institutions with more restrictive travel policies should note that this waiver does not supersede their internal regulations. Individuals traveling on NASA contracts are advised to consult their contracting officers regarding similar accommodations.