Why is NASA Partnering With SBA on Small Business Sourcing?

To strengthen the nation's supply chain and increase sourcing from innovative technology small businesses, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been signed between NASA and the US Small Business Administration.

This partnership will primarily operate through NASA’s Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), which manages the agency's tech affairs, in tandem with the SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) and the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program.

Details of NASA’s procurement relationship

NASA will utilise its technological expertise to detect and address gaps in supply chain logistics, while the SBA manages SBIC investment funds that pledge at least 60% of their capital to NASA-specified focus areas, including:

• Energy production, infrastructure and storage 
• Nuclear power and propulsion 
• Advanced software, avionics and communications systems 
• Specialised materials and components 
• Inhospitable environment infrastructure 
• Scaled launch infrastructure 
• Biomedical and life support technology 

Aligning with US President Donald J. Trump’s National Space Policy, this new partnership supports the objectives detailed by Jared Isaacman, Administrator for NASA, during the agency’s ‘Ignition Day’ in March. The event emphasised multiple investments for future initiatives on other planets, including the moon and Mars.

“To achieve President Trump’s National Space Policy, NASA needs a stronger industrial base capable of moving at the speed this new space race demands,” shares NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman.

“Through the NASA Office of Strategic Capital, this partnership with the SBA will help small businesses access the capital they need to scale, strengthen critical supply chains, rebuild America’s industrial might and deliver the outcomes necessary to ensure the United States leads the next era of space exploration.”

Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator, adds: “To meet President Trump’s objective of securing American leadership on every frontier, the SBA and NASA are partnering to supercharge the industrial base behind our space program and connect the innovators building critical technologies with needed capital,”

“Through this partnership with NASA, the SBA is mobilizing private sector investment to fuel the small businesses, manufacturers and innovators that are driving American space dominance.

"By aligning capital with strategic national priorities, this exciting effort will help launch the next great era of space exploration.”

NASA’s additional procured actions

In 2026, a partnership was formed between NASA and Lockheed Martin to assist in launching the Artemis II Orion craft which was manufactured by the aerospace company.

Lockheed Martin was responsible for the design, development and production of the aircraft, while more than 27,000 other suppliers assisted in spearheading the launch.

Furthermore, in 2024, NASA released details of their 2023 Equity Plan which includes working with underserved communities to increase equity throughout the agency. 

“At NASA, we are committed to advancing equity to ensure our work benefits all humanity,” explains Bill Nelson, former NASA Administrator. 

“The Equity Action plan deepens our long-term commitment to recognise and overcome systemic barriers that limit opportunity in underserved and underrepresented communities. 

“This year, NASA has identified STEM education as an area to engage and inspire the diverse talent of our future leaders. We are inviting the next generation, the Artemis Generation, to take on the daring missions of the future in the cosmos, and here on Earth.”

To cultivate a diverse workforce for the future, the plan focuses on expanding student engagement and enhancing language access policies.

Additionally, it aims to increase accessibility to Earth science data and improve grants and agreements to boost representation, access and opportunities for underserved communities.