Broadcast 616 (Special Edition)

Cathy Shields, Jim Chilton and David Brock were the special guests for this program which discussed how small businesses can work with NASA in supporting the nation's VSE and Partnering with New Orleans which is focused on how to do business with Boeing Space Exploration. This program was most informative as we learned about NASA Small Business Specialist Center Industry Assistance programs, how these programs work with companies such as Boeing, and then how Boeing mentors and works with smaller businesses. For example, Ms. Shields, the new business development director for All Points Logistics, Inc., discussed the opportunity, the process and the requirements from the small business point of view. She also described the changes in their company having been involved with Boeing and the program for a few years. You will want to take note of what she says. Also, Mr. Chilton of Boeing did a superb job of letting us know how Boeing works with these small companies and how it strives to be of assistance in helping them develop their business at all levels. And as Mr. Brock explained, NASA is committed to broadening the opportunities for business participation to all Americans, even one person companies. Listeners and those interested in the program are directed to contact Becky Martin for information at becky.p.martin@boeing.com. For media related questions, please contact Tanya Deason at Tanya.E.Deason-Sharp@boeing.com. To find out more about the NASA part of the program, you are invited to contact David Brock at david.e.brock@nasa.gov. During the discussion, I asked about the qualifying parameters for accepting a small business into this program. The requirements are general including a business and marketing plan and to demonstrate that you know how to market your product. In response to a listener question, the panel was asked about using retired people with rocket and former Moon program expertise in their programs today. Both Mr. Chilton of Boeing and Mr. Brock of NASA said they were utilizing this rich resource and they described some of the 'grey beard" programs in place in the Huntsville area. This is a very interesting and informative program. You will learn about new opportunities for small businesses to participate in the effort to return to the Moon and implement the VSE. These opportunities might be for you and your company.