May 3, 2012 – NOAA wanted a magician to act as a motivational speaker to create “a unique model of translating magic and [principles] of the psychology of magic, magic tools, techniques, and experiences into a method of teaching leadership,” according to an ad for magic services , which appeared Tuesday. NOAA took down the ad, however, after media reports surfaced Thursday.
The agency “has referred the solicitation to the General Counsel and NOAA's Chief of Resources, Operations and Management to review the statement of work and the process surrounding the solicitation,” NOAA spokesman Scott Smullen emailed POLITICO.
“No speakers have been hired or confirmed for this training session,” he added.
NOAA isn’t flying its staff to a pricey Las Vegas hotel, and it said it needed a magician for training purposes, not entertainment. Still, spending taxpayers’ money on prestidigitation risks conjuring up comparisons with the General Services Administration’s infamous Vegas adventure.
GSA came under heavy fire last month for spending $823,000 on a 2010 Las Vegas convention that included a magician, mind reader and commemorative coins. Administrator Martha Johnson stepped down over the episode, which gave Republicans ammunition for attacks blaming President Barack Obama.
A NOAA employee declined to comment when POLITICO contacted her Thursday.
Read the full story at Politico.