NASA Contract Opportunities: Complete Guide to Space Agency Contracting

Quick Answer: How Do I Win NASA Contracts?

NASA contracts require specialized technical capabilities in aerospace, engineering, IT, and scientific research. Opportunities range from major space exploration programs to small business research grants. Build expertise in NASA's mission areas, pursue SBIR/STTR funding for technology development, and consider subcontracting with prime contractors to build experience.

$25B+

Annual Budget

Field Centers

SBIR

Key Entry Point

SEWP

IT Vehicle

Understanding NASA Procurement

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration conducts aeronautics research, space exploration, and scientific discovery. With an annual budget exceeding $25 billion, NASA contracts for everything from spacecraft development to scientific instruments, IT systems, and facility support services.

NASA procurement is technically demanding and often involves cutting-edge technology. The agency values innovation and works closely with contractors to advance space exploration and scientific understanding.

NASA Mission Areas

→Human Exploration (Artemis, ISS)
→Space Technology Development
→Science (Earth, Planetary, Astrophysics)
→Aeronautics Research

→Commercial Space Programs
→Launch Services
→Mission Support Services
→Education and Outreach

NASA Contract Types

NASA uses various contract types tailored to different program requirements and risk profiles.

Cost-Reimbursement Contracts

Common for R&D and complex programs where costs are difficult to estimate. Includes cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and cost-plus-award-fee structures.

✓Appropriate for uncertain scope
✓Requires adequate accounting system
✓Higher oversight requirements

Fixed-Price Contracts

Used when requirements are well-defined and costs predictable. Includes firm-fixed-price and fixed-price-incentive contracts.

✓Clear specifications required
✓Contractor assumes cost risk
✓Less government oversight

Major NASA Contract Vehicles

→SEWP V: Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (IT products and services)
→CIO-SP3: Chief Information Officer-Solutions and Partners
→OMES III: Outsourcing Management Engineering Services
→Center-specific IDIQs: Each NASA center has unique contract vehicles

NASA Centers and Offices

NASA operates through 10 field centers, each with specialized missions and independent contracting authority. Understanding center specializations helps you target opportunities effectively.

NASA Field Centers

→Johnson Space Center: Human spaceflight
→Kennedy Space Center: Launch operations
→Marshall Space Flight Center: Propulsion
→Goddard Space Flight Center: Science missions
→Jet Propulsion Laboratory: Robotic exploration

→Langley Research Center: Aeronautics
→Ames Research Center: IT and life sciences
→Glenn Research Center: Propulsion research
→Stennis Space Center: Rocket testing
→Armstrong Flight Research: Flight testing

SBIR/STTR Programs

NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are excellent entry points for small businesses with innovative technology.

SBIR Program

✓Phase I: Up to $150,000 for feasibility
✓Phase II: Up to $850,000 for development
✓Phase III: Commercialization (no funding cap)
✓No research partner required

STTR Program

✓Phase I: Up to $150,000
✓Phase II: Up to $850,000
✓Requires research institution partner
✓30% minimum to research partner

SBIR Success Strategy

NASA SBIR is highly competitive. Successful proposals demonstrate clear technical innovation, strong alignment with NASA needs, and a viable path to commercialization. Build relationships with NASA technical staff to understand priorities before proposing.

Finding Opportunities

NASA posts opportunities through multiple channels. Monitor all sources and engage early in the procurement process.

Opportunity Sources

SAM.gov

All NASA solicitations and Sources Sought notices

NASA SBIR/STTR Portal

Small business research solicitations

NASA Acquisition Internet Service

Procurement forecasts and industry days

Center Procurement Offices

Center-specific opportunities

Technical Requirements

NASA contracts have rigorous technical requirements. Understanding these helps you prepare compliant proposals and successful performance.

Common NASA Requirements

→NASA-STD-8739 workmanship standards
→AS9100 aerospace quality management
→ITAR/EAR export control compliance
→NPR 7120 program management requirements
→NASA technical standards (NASAs)
→Environmental testing (GEVS)

Security Clearances

Many NASA programs require security clearances. Facility clearances and personnel clearances can take months to obtain. Start the process early for programs with classification requirements.

Safety Requirements

NASA has stringent safety requirements, particularly for flight hardware and human-rated systems. Safety compliance is evaluated throughout program execution with multiple review gates.

Winning Strategies

Build Technical Credibility

NASA values demonstrated technical excellence. Publish research, present at conferences, and participate in NASA-sponsored events. Technical credibility with NASA engineers influences evaluations and builds relationships for future opportunities.

Start with SBIR/STTR

The SBIR/STTR programs are NASA's primary entry point for small businesses. Successful Phase II projects can lead to Phase III contracts and establish your company as a known NASA supplier.

Pursue Subcontracting

Major NASA programs are executed by large prime contractors who need specialized subcontractors. Building relationships with primes like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman provides access to NASA work and builds past performance.

Engage with Center Staff

Each NASA center has industry liaison offices that facilitate contractor engagement. Attend industry days, request capability briefings, and build relationships with technical staff to understand requirements before solicitations are released.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can small businesses win NASA prime contracts?

Yes. NASA has small business set-aside requirements and dedicated vehicles for small business participation. SBIR/STTR programs specifically fund small business innovation. Many support services contracts are also set aside for small businesses.

What certifications does NASA require?

Requirements vary by contract type. Aerospace manufacturing typically requires AS9100 certification. IT services may require CMMI certification. Flight hardware requires compliance with NASA workmanship and quality standards. Review specific solicitations for requirements.

How competitive is NASA contracting?

Very competitive. NASA attracts the aerospace industry's best companies. However, specialized niches and small business programs offer opportunities for focused competitors. Technical excellence and relevant experience are essential for success.

Do I need aerospace experience?

For technical contracts, aerospace experience is typically required. However, NASA also contracts for IT, facilities management, administrative services, and other functions where general federal contracting experience is sufficient.

Find NASA Contract Opportunities

BidFinds helps you discover NASA contract opportunities matched to your capabilities with AI-powered alerts and detailed opportunity analysis.

Start Finding Contracts →