National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Contracting Guide | Budget, NAICS & Contracting Opportunities

FY2026 Budget

$25B+

space exploration, aeronautics, Earth science, technology

OSDBU Contact

Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@nasa.gov

2026 Trend

Space exploration expansion, lunar program, Mars missions, commercial space partnerships, Earth observation systems

Market Intelligence

Real-time spending data via USAspending.gov

Annual Spend (FY2025)

Obligated to date

Budget UtilizationNaN%

Top Contract Awardees

$9.5B

$8.9B

$7.3B

$5.2B

$5.1B

WinBidIQ Insight: National Aeronautics and Space Administration is showing high competition among the top 5 vendors. Small businesses should focus on subcontracting opportunities with these leaders or targeting niche set-asides where these giants are restricted.

How to Win Contracts from National Aeronautics and Space Administration

As a major federal contracting entity, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) commands a FY2026 budget of $25B+. Recent market intelligence indicates a highly active procurement cycle, with obligated spend distributed among 5 primary vendors.With a strategic focus on advanced technology and innovation prioritized and small business sbir (small business innovation research) program active, this agency presents targeted opportunities for contractors operating within critical NAICS codes like 541330 and 541320.

For emerging contractors, the most effective entry strategy is to identify recompete opportunities — contracts currently held by incumbents that are expiring within the next 12 to 18 months.NASA recompetes often have predictable scopes and defined evaluation criteria, making them significantly easier to bid intelligently than entirely new requirements.

NASA offers advanced technology opportunities with substantial budgets. SBIR program excellent for tech startups. Challenging work but prestigious. Compliance high, technical expertise critical.

Procurement Focus & Requirements

Advanced technology and innovation prioritized
Small business SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program active
Security clearances required for some work
Multi-year research and development contracts

Top NAICS Codes — NASA

These NAICS codes appear most frequently in National Aeronautics and Space Administration solicitations. Include these in your SAM.gov registration to appear in agency searches and qualify for relevant set-asides.

541330

541320

334290

541512

336415

Common Recompete Categories at NASA

Recompetes — contracts currently held by an incumbent that are coming up for renewal — are the highest-probability opportunity for new entrants. These categories see recurring recompetes at National Aeronautics and Space Administration:

Advanced engineering and technology development

Space systems and satellite technology

IT and data management for space missions

Scientific research and instruments

Track live recompete opportunities in WinBidIQ

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting: FAQs

How much does National Aeronautics and Space Administration spend on contracts annually?+

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a FY2026 budget of $25B+ (space exploration, aeronautics, Earth science, technology). Contract spending goes toward 5 primary NAICS code categories, with space exploration expansion, lunar program, mars missions, commercial space partnerships, earth observation systems. Small businesses compete for set-aside contracts across all major spending categories.

What NAICS codes does NASA use for small business contracts?+

National Aeronautics and Space Administration most frequently awards contracts under NAICS codes 541330, 541320, 334290, 541512, 336415. These cover Advanced technology and innovation prioritized, Small business SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program active, Security clearances required for some work. Register in SAM.gov with these codes and ensure your size is within SBA size standards for each code to qualify for set-asides.

How do I contact NASA's small business office?+

National Aeronautics and Space Administration's small business contact is: Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@nasa.gov. This office — typically called the OSDBU or OSBP — runs small business outreach events, matchmaking sessions, and subcontracting fairs. Attending these events is one of the most effective ways to get pre-RFP visibility with contracting officers.

What types of contracts does NASA award to small businesses?+

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awards set-aside contracts under multiple socioeconomic programs including small business, 8(a) Business Development, WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned), and HUBZone. Common contract vehicles include Advanced engineering and technology development and Space systems and satellite technology. Most contracts over $25K are posted on SAM.gov.

What is the best strategy to win a first NASA contract?+

Start by identifying recompete opportunities — contracts expiring within 12 months where the incumbent may be vulnerable. National Aeronautics and Space Administration recompete categories include: Advanced engineering and technology development; Space systems and satellite technology; IT and data management for space missions. Build past performance through subcontracting first, then bid on small set-asides. Attend OSDBU outreach events to meet program managers before RFPs drop.

What is NASA's procurement trend for 2026?+

Space exploration expansion, lunar program, Mars missions, commercial space partnerships, Earth observation systems. NASA offers advanced technology opportunities with substantial budgets. SBIR program excellent for tech startups. Challenging work but prestigious. Compliance high, technical expertise critical. Monitor SAM.gov and USASpending.gov for emerging solicitations and forecast notices — ideally 6-12 months before RFP release.

Find NASA Contracts Matched to Your Company

WinBidIQ monitors SAM.gov daily and scores every National Aeronautics and Space Administration solicitation by fit to your company profile — NAICS codes, certifications, size, and past performance.

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