INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Credit: NY Times Crossword - Nov. 9. 1986
Robert H. Wolfe  (adapted)

Each clue below is somehow related to a federal government agency - identified by its initials - and can be answered with a familiar phrase or expression.  For example, given the clue

What an FTC employee would need to know,
 the answer could be The tricks of the trade.

1. What NASA did - successfully
2. What FHA mortgages are and are not
3. What the SBA employee was doing
4. TVA concern - and yet, you can't do anything about it
5. Why no one can make a decision at the FAA
6. What you'll find at the NRC
7. What the IRS probably won't wish you on your birthday
8. What the helpful NSA employee will do for you

(Possible) Answers:

1. Asked for the moon
2. On the house
3. Minding the store
4. Water over the dam
5. Everything is up in the air
6. The powers that be
7. Many happy returns
8. Keep an eye on things