NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., has honored Space Shuttle prime contractors for their commitment to making subcontracting opportunities available to small and disadvantaged businesses.
Chip Jones, Marshall Center Resident Office Manager at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, presented awards to four Shuttle prime contractors for exemplary performance and commitment in implementing NASA’s goals through subcontracting and outreach activities. The companies received the awards during the NASA Regional Business Forum in New Orleans June 22-23.
Companies recognized included ATK Thiokol Propulsion of Brigham City, Utah; The Boeing Company, Rocketdyne Propulsion & Power, of Canoga Park, Calif.; Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Michoud Operations, of New Orleans; and United Technologies Corporation, Pratt & Whitney Liquid Space Propulsion, of West Palm Beach, Fla.
During the last 10 years, Space Shuttle prime contractors have provided subcontracting opportunities worth more than $2.6 billion to small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses. Prime contractors are responsible for building the Shuttle’s External Tank, Main Engine and Reusable Solid Rocket Boosters, including the assembly of booster components. Subcontractors provide the thousands of parts required to assemble the Shuttle components.
The forum was co-sponsored by the Marshall Center; the Johnson Space Center in Houston; the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi; the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.
“Doing business with NASA” was the focus of the forum, which featured NASA representatives discussing upcoming contract opportunities. Prime contractor representatives conducted training programs and instructed small businesses on how to market their products and services.
“The exploration mission will require a national team, including capabilities external to the government, to meet this great challenge,” said Marshall Center Director David King. “NASA’s business partnerships will provide for shared success in achieving the Agency’s missions and goals.” The Vision for Space Exploration calls for human and robotic missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
For supporting materials for this news release, please visit the NASA Marshall Center Newsroom Web site at:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news
For more information about STS-114: Space Shuttle Return to Flight, visit:
For more information about the Vision for Space Exploration, visit:
