Update to NASA's Consolidated Acquisition Forecast

Last year, NASA Procurement introduced an incredible new tool for small businesses, the Consolidated Acquisition Forecast. This powerful Excel spreadsheet took forecasts from each of NASA’s center and put them in one place so that both small and large businesses had a quick, easy and useful way to see upcoming acquisitions at NASA. I’m happy to say that this forecast has quickly become an industry best practice and is only getting better with recent improvements.

Those familiar with the forecast will quickly notice some of the improvements that have been made. These changes stem from suggestions from the Small Business Council and NASA Vendor Database users. Updates include:

·      Updated information as of April 2012

·      A list of expiring contracts to help Centers identify requirements

·      Expanded “Acquisitions by Value” levels for more cost specificity

·      Updated chart formats for usability

·      Removal of the Product Service Codes (PSC)

The Acquistion Forecast can always be found at http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/forecast/index.html or NASA's Office of Procurement and OSBP websites. We’re always looking to improve on ways to reach small businesses. The Acquisition forecast is a great way to view upcoming procurements, but if you have a suggestion on how we can make it even better, feel free to comment. 

2012 NASA Agency Honor Awards

Fiscal Year 2012 has brought some great accomplishments for NASA in the small business area. In August, the NASA Small Business Council (SBC) received a well-deserved Group Achievement Award during the 2012 NASA Agency Honor Awards Ceremony for outstanding performance in executing NASA’s Small Business Program in Fiscal Year 2011.

Displaying the SBC’s commitment to excellence, NASA exceeded its small business goal in FY11 with its highest prime small business metric, 17.7%, since 2006. The Council accomplished countless innovative endeavors for reaching out to small businesses across the country, including establishing several new Small Business Industry Days, Joint Counseling Sessions, and a renewed interest in the use of social media. I felt pride for each and every individual who made this award happen. Congratulations to all.

I am optimistic about Fiscal Year 2013. We face a higher Small Business goal than we have in previous years and there are always new challenges, but I have faith in our Agency acquisition community not only to meet our new goals, but to exceed them once again.