This subpart establishes NASA's small business policy and outlines the delegation of authority in implementing this policy as required by Federal law.

(a) It is NASA's policy to enable small businesses (including small disadvantaged businesses, small women-owned businesses, HUBZone small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses and service disabled veteran-owned small businesses), historically black colleges and universities, and other minority educational institutions the opportunity to participate equitably and proportionately in its total purchases and contracts that are consistent with the Agency's needs to execute its mission.

(b) In carrying out the NASA procurement program, the primary consideration shall be that of securing contract performance, including obtaining deliveries of required items or services at the time, in the quantity and of the quality prescribed. In the area of research and development (R&D) contracts, the general policy of NASA is to award such contracts to those organizations determined by responsible personnel to have a high degree of competence in the specific branch of science or technology required for the successful conduct of the work. It is in the interest of the civilian space program that the number of firms engaged inR&D, work for NASA be expanded and that there be an increase in the extent of participation in such work by competent small business firms.

(a) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). The Associate Administrator for Small Business Programs, NASA Headquarters, is responsible for the activities described in NASA Policy Directive 1000.3, The NASA Organization. The Associate Administrator is also responsible for representing NASA before other Government agencies on matters primarily affecting small businesses.

(b) NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers. Center Directors (including the Executive Director for the NASA Shared Services Center and the Director for the NASA Management Office, but excluding the Director for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory) along with the Associate Administrator for the Office of Small Business Programs shall nominate a qualified individual in their contracting office as a small business specialist to provide a central point of contact to which small business concerns may direct inquiries concerning small business matters and participation in NASA acquisitions. When a Center Director determines that the volume of acquisitions or the functions relating to acquisitions at the Center do not warrant a full-time small business specialist, these duties may be assigned to procurement personnel on a part-time basis, with the concurrence of the Associate Administrator for the Office of Small Business Programs. NASA Centers shall establish and maintain liaison with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Procurement Center Representative (PCR) or the appropriate SBA Regional Office in matters relating to NASA Center procurement activities. Small Business Specialists shall perform the duties delineated in NASA FAR Supplement 1819.201(e)(ii). The Associate Administrator for Small Business Programs shall assign a Small Business Technical Advisor to each contracting activity within the Agency to which the SBA has assigned a PCR, pursuant to FAR 19.201(d)(8).

NASA's general policy for small business programs is described in 48 CFR part 1819, Small Business Programs; 48 CFR part 1852, Solicitation Provisions and Contract; and NASA Policy Directive 5000.2C, Small Business Subcontracting Goals (http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/displayDir.cfm?t=NPD&c=5000&s=2).