Mobile area companies have a chance to earn business from Marshall Space Flight Center and the subcontractors that serve the giant NASA complex in Alabama.
Opportunities are significant, as the agency alone spent approximately $1.8 billion with direct and indirect contractors last year.
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce will host a NASA Business Forum at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The cost is $75 per person, including breakfast and lunch, and the event is open to all area and regional businesses.
Among those featured at the forum will be senior procurement experts from four NASA service centers in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, as well as representatives from major aerospace prime contractors.
“Small businesses play a key role in helping NASA achieve its mission, and are essential to NASA’s success in so many ways, said David Brock, small business specialist at Marshall. “Like helping us journey to Mars, or advancing our leadership in Earth and climate science, or improving our capabilities supporting the innovation economy.”
Marshall is a cornerstone of Alabama’s robust and growing aerospace sector. The Huntsville center designed and developed the Saturn V rocket that took man to the moon, and its experience and capabilities remain essential to nearly every facet of NASA’s mission. It is now leading development of the Space Launch System, a rocket that will power a voyage to Mars.
“While the Marshall Space Flight Center is instrumental to NASA’s plans for space exploration, it also operates as a major economic engine in the region,” said Bob Smith, an assistant director of Business Development for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This forum represents a prime opportunity for firms to collaborate with a remarkable agency.”
FORUM TOPICS
Topics on the agenda include NASA’s acquisition process, upcoming business opportunities, best practices to win a direct contract or subcontract, and helpful marketing tools and advice. Following the presentation, attendees will also meet face-to-face with the representatives in a trade-show style forum.
“NASA’s Business Forum is a rare opportunity for our local and regional companies to have one-on-one access to numerous procurement specialists at one time and in one place,” said Danette Richards, the Mobile Chamber’s director of small business development “And, just as important, is meeting the other attendees. A lot of partnerships and deals start at these type of forums.”
The forum is open to companies of all sizes and helps NASA reach out to small, disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned, disabled Veteran and Veteran-owned businesses, and those located in historically underutilized business zones.
The NASA centers and contractors are in search of a variety of business partners, including those to help with:
- Aeronautics Research
- Avionics
- Weather and Climate Monitoring
- Clean Air and Water
- Fire Equipment
- Body Armor
- Protective Guard Service
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Tooling
- Advanced Technology
- Robotics
- Environmental Services
- Logistics Services
- Architect Engineering
- Engineering Services
- Analysis and Communications Support
- Project Management
- Program Planning and Control
- Cost Estimation and Analysis
- Configuration and Data Management
- Construction Services
- Supplies
- Various Software Systems and Maintenance
Reservations are required. Contact Brenda Rembert at 251-431-8607 to register or get more information.
