What is the total value of NASA contracts awarded annually?

NASA's FY2023 procurement totaled $23.3 billion, representing approximately 70% of agency spending. With FY2025 appropriations of $24.8 billion, NASA generates $75.6 billion in economic output across all 50 states through contracts, grants, and workforce spending.

Which NASA centers have the most contracting authority?

Johnson Space Center handles human spaceflight and Artemis crew systems, Kennedy Space Center manages launch operations, Marshall Space Flight Center oversees propulsion and SLS development, Goddard Space Flight Center manages Earth science and SEWP, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads planetary science missions.

What are NASA's current top priority programs for contractors?

Current priorities include the Artemis program returning humans to the Moon, Mars exploration including Mars Sample Return, James Webb Space Telescope science operations, and developing commercial space capabilities.

Does NASA have small business contracting opportunities?

Yes, NASA's Office of Small Business Programs promotes small business integration through SBIR/STTR programs, SEWP contracts with 99 small business holders, mentor-protege programs, and dedicated Small Business Specialists at each center.

What certifications are required to win NASA contracts?

NASA contracts may require NASA Engineering Standards compliance, AS9100 Aerospace Quality certification, security clearances for classified work, and participation in Small Business Programs depending on the contract type.

How does NASA evaluate contractor proposals?

NASA emphasizes mission success and technical excellence in evaluations, with past performance and management approach heavily weighted. The agency evaluates technical approach, past performance, and price with particular attention to mission-critical reliability.

What NAICS codes are most common for NASA contracts?

Common NAICS codes include 541715 (R&D Physical Sciences), 336414 (Guided Missile Manufacturing), 541330 (Engineering Services), and 541512 (Computer Systems Design).

Can new contractors win NASA contracts without federal experience?

New contractors can pursue NASA contracts by emphasizing relevant commercial experience, pursuing SBIR/STTR programs to develop technology, subcontracting under prime contractors, and building relationships with Small Business Specialists at NASA centers.

What is the Artemis program and how can contractors get involved?

The Artemis program is NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon. Contractors can position for subcontracting opportunities through prime contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX.

Where are NASA contracts posted and how do I find them?

All NASA opportunities over $25,000 are posted on SAM.gov. Additional sources include NASA's procurement forecasts, agency-specific portals at each center, and intelligence platforms like GovWin for early visibility.

What are the biggest mistakes contractors make when pursuing NASA?

Common mistakes include applying commercial approaches to safety-critical spaceflight systems requiring NPR 7150 standards, treating NASA as a single entity rather than understanding each center's unique mission, and underestimating long procurement timelines for complex space systems.

How do I register to do business with NASA?

Register in SAM.gov (mandatory), obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI), identify relevant NAICS codes, pursue applicable small business certifications, and meet NASA-specific requirements like aerospace quality standards and security clearances as needed.

What contract vehicles does NASA use besides SEWP?

NASA uses CIO-SP3/SP4 for IT services, 8(a) STARS III for 8(a) firms, OASIS+ for professional services, and center-specific IDIQs for engineering, IT, and mission support services at locations like JSC, KSC, and Goddard.

How can I attend NASA Industry Days and vendor events?

Meet with Small Business specialists at key NASA offices, participate in NASA-focused industry associations, request capability briefings with program managers, and monitor each center's website for scheduled vendor outreach events and Industry Days.

What is NASA's approach to subcontracting requirements?

NASA actively tracks subcontracting to small businesses under major prime contracts, maintains mentor-protege programs, and publishes small business goals by center while tracking performance against federal targets.

How important is past performance for winning NASA contracts?

Past performance is heavily weighted in NASA evaluations. Contractors should highlight relevant federal contract experience, include contracts of similar size and complexity, provide strong government client references, and demonstrate aerospace heritage and mission-critical reliability.

What is JPL and how is it different from other NASA centers?

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California leads planetary science and Mars missions and is managed by Caltech rather than directly by NASA. JPL specializes in robotic space exploration and maintains independent contracting authority for its mission portfolio.

Back to Agency Guides

Federal Agency Guide

January 15, 2025

How to Win NASA Contracts

Q: What is the SEWP contract vehicle and how do I access it?

SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement) is a $20 billion ceiling GWAC for IT products and services with 141 contract holders including 99 small businesses. SEWP V is extended to April 2026 with SEWP VI transition following, and it's available to all federal agencies.

Q: What types of contracts does NASA use most frequently?

NASA uses cost-reimbursement contracts extensively for R&D given technical uncertainty, while IT and support services often use firm-fixed-price or time-and-materials. Major contracts for human spaceflight systems represent multi-billion dollar programs.

Q: How long does the NASA proposal process typically take?

Proposal timelines vary dramatically at NASA. IT task orders may complete in weeks, while major system acquisitions can take years due to the technical complexity and mission-critical nature of space systems.

Leads space exploration, aeronautics research, and scientific discovery.

$19 billion

FY2025 Contract Spend

Key Offices

NASA

Agency Code

Understanding NASA Procurement

NASA leads America's civil space exploration, aeronautics research, and scientific discovery missions. With FY2025 appropriations of $24.8 billion, NASA operates through four mission directorates: Science, Exploration Systems Development, Space Operations, and Aeronautics Research. The agency maintains ten field centers nationwide, each with specialized capabilities and substantial contracting authority. Current priorities include the Artemis program returning humans to the Moon, Mars exploration including the Mars Sample Return mission, James Webb Space Telescope science operations, and developing commercial space capabilities. NASA's FY2023 procurement totaled $23.3 billion, representing approximately 70% of agency spending. The agency generated $75.6 billion in economic output across all 50 states through contracts, grants, and workforce spending. NASA's procurement is exceptionally diverse, involving manufacturing, IT, research and development, and highly specialized space systems.

How NASA Buys

NASA procurement ranges from cutting-edge spacecraft development to routine IT services, with contracts issued through both headquarters and ten field centers. The agency uses cost-reimbursement contracts extensively for R&D given technical uncertainty, while IT and support services often use firm-fixed-price or time-and-materials. Major contracts for human spaceflight systems (SLS, Orion, Gateway, HLS) represent multi-billion dollar programs. NASA emphasizes mission success and technical excellence in evaluations, with past performance and management approach heavily weighted. The agency has strong small business programs, with SEWP contracts including over 100 small business holders. Proposal timelines vary dramatically - IT task orders may complete in weeks while major system acquisitions can take years.

Major Contract Vehicles

[SEWP V/VI (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement)] - $20 billion ceiling GWAC for IT products and services, 141 contract holders including 99 small businesses, available to all federal agencies. SEWP V extended to April 2026 with SEWP VI transition following. [CIO-SP3/SP4] - NIH-managed IT services GWAC used by NASA. [8(a) STARS III] - SBA IT services for 8(a) firms. [OASIS+] - Professional services. [Center-Specific IDIQs] - Each NASA center maintains IDIQs for engineering, IT, and mission support services (e.g., JSC engineering services, KSC launch operations support, Goddard scientific support).

Step 1: Get Registered

Before pursuing NASA contracts, ensure you have the foundational registrations in place:

Required Registrations

Essential for all federal contractors

✓ SAM.gov Registration (mandatory)

✓ Unique Entity ID (UEI)

✓ NAICS Codes for your services

✓ Small Business Certifications (if applicable)

Agency-Specific Requirements

NASA has specific certification and registration requirements that may include:

Certification Programs

✓ NASA Engineering Standards

✓ AS9100 Aerospace Quality

✓ Security Clearances

✓ Small Business Programs

Step 2: Identify Opportunities

Finding the right NASA opportunities requires monitoring multiple sources and understanding where contracts are posted.

Primary Sources

SAM.gov: All federal opportunities over $25,000 are posted here
Agency Forecast: NASA publishes upcoming procurement forecasts
Agency-Specific Portals: Some offices have their own procurement sites
GovWin and other intelligence platforms: Early visibility into upcoming opportunities

Key NASA Offices

Major contracting organizations

• Johnson Space Center

• Kennedy Space Center

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory

• Goddard Space Flight Center

• Marshall Space Flight Center

• Ames Research Center

Top Contract Types

NASA frequently procures the following types of goods and services:

Aerospace Engineering

Scientific Research

IT Services

Manufacturing

Mission Support

Facilities Management

Step 3: Position Your Company

Winning NASA contracts requires strategic positioning before opportunities are released.

Build Relationships

Attend NASA Industry Days and vendor outreach events
Meet with Small Business specialists at key offices
Participate in NASA-focused industry associations
Request capability briefings with program managers

Relevant NAICS Codes

Common NAICS codes for NASA contracting include:

541715 - R&D Physical Sciences
336414 - Guided Missile Manufacturing
541330 - Engineering Services
541512 - Computer Systems Design

Step 4: Develop Winning Proposals

NASA evaluates proposals based on technical approach, past performance, and price. Here's how to stand out:

Technical Approach

Demonstrate deep understanding of NASA's mission and challenges
Propose innovative solutions aligned with agency priorities
Show relevant experience with similar federal agencies
Include qualified key personnel with appropriate clearances

Past Performance

Highlight relevant federal contract experience
Include contracts of similar size, scope, and complexity
Provide strong references from government clients
If new to federal, emphasize relevant commercial experience

Pricing Strategy

Research competitive pricing through FPDS and USASpending
Ensure rates are competitive but sustainable
Provide clear cost breakdowns and justifications
Consider best value vs. lowest price evaluation criteria

Winning Strategies for NASA

Pursue SEWP contract holder status - NASA manages this premier IT GWAC with $20B ceiling used across all federal agencies
Build relationships at specific NASA centers aligned with your capabilities - JSC for human spaceflight, JPL for planetary science, KSC for launch operations, Goddard for Earth science
Position for Artemis program subcontracting opportunities through prime contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX
Leverage NASA's SBIR/STTR programs to develop technology that can mature into larger contract opportunities
Demonstrate aerospace heritage and mission-critical reliability - NASA's risk tolerance is low for flight systems

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying commercial software development approaches to safety-critical spaceflight systems that require NASA's rigorous NPR 7150 standards
Treating NASA as a single entity rather than understanding each center's unique mission, culture, and procurement preferences
Underestimating the long procurement timelines for major programs while expecting quick wins from complex space systems

Small Business Programs at NASA

NASA's Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) promotes small business integration into the agency's industrial base supporting space exploration and scientific discovery. The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs fund technology development partnerships. SEWP includes 99 small business contract holders out of 141 total. NASA maintains mentor-protege programs and actively tracks subcontracting to small businesses under major prime contracts. Each NASA center has a Small Business Specialist supporting outreach and vendor engagement. The agency publishes small business goals by center and tracks performance against federal targets.

Key Contracting Offices

NASA procurement is distributed across headquarters and ten field centers: Johnson Space Center (JSC, Houston) - human spaceflight, ISS operations, Artemis crew systems. Kennedy Space Center (KSC, Florida) - launch operations, ground systems. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC, Alabama) - propulsion, SLS development. Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC, Maryland) - Earth science, SEWP program office, satellite servicing. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL, California) - planetary science, Mars missions (managed by Caltech). Langley Research Center (LaRC, Virginia) - aeronautics, atmospheric science. Glenn Research Center (GRC, Ohio) - propulsion research, power systems. Ames Research Center (ARC, California) - computational sciences, astrobiology. Stennis Space Center (SSC, Mississippi) - rocket testing. Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC, California) - flight research. Each center maintains independent contracting authority aligned with their mission portfolio.

How Sweetspot Can Help

Winning NASA contracts requires staying on top of opportunities and submitting compliant proposals quickly. Sweetspot helps you:

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