Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses at Stennis Space Center

Competing for government contracts can be intimidating for an uninitiated small business. If you are having a difficult time deciphering what opportunities are available and how to apply for them, you’re not alone. 

The Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) is one of the resources available to help small businesses break into government contracting at Stennis Space Center (SSC). SSC is home to nearly forty state and federal government agencies that regularly contract services for their operations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as several large contractors that offer subcontracting opportunities. 

SBA Contracting Assistance Programs

The federal government intends to award at least 23 percent of all its contracts to small businesses, and some contracts call for even higher goals. Moreover, they also aim to award contracts to small businesses run by women, minorities, veterans, and economically disadvantaged persons. 

In fact, many contract opportunities are set aside to be used exclusively for these types of small businesses:

• 8(a) Business Development Program Participant
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
• HUBZone Program Participant

You can start your certification process for the 8(a), woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or HUBZone programs by visiting sba.gov.

How to Register Your Business With SAM.gov

About SAM.gov

Government entities post about goods and services that they need through the System for Award Management (SAM). Every business that is a prime contractor with the government has a profile on this website and uses it to submit their bids.

D-U-N-S Number

The Dun & Bradstreet number, also known as a D-U-N-S number, is required for businesses on SAM.gov. This number is a worldwide tracker for your business, displays your legitimacy, and establishes your credit worthiness. Apply for your number at Dun & Bradstreet.

NAICS Codes

Goods and services that the government uses are all divided into codes. This is called the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). You may have one or more codes depending on what services your business offers.

Until the new NAICS codes are released in October, small businesses should use the NAICS codes for 2017 when preparing their RFQs. Download the SBA’s Small Business Size Standards Matched to NAICS document to see what code(s) are applicable to your business. Current NAICS codes can be found on the NAICS website.

Registration

After you have your D-U-N-S and NAICS codes in hand, you’re ready to begin registering with SAM.gov. First, register your business with SAM and receive your Unique Entity Identifier (EUI). Spend time creating a comprehensive business profile.

Search for Contracts at SAM.gov

Contract opportunity postings on sam.gov contain the information you need to complete a request for quotation (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP). These postings also include the location, type of contract, due dates, and attachments with additional specifications.

You can search by NAICS code and filter the results via keyword. For opportunities in the Mississippi Gulf Region and at Stennis Space Center, try filtering by the state of Mississippi and by Federal Organization. You can also include the keyword “Stennis” for opportunities exclusive to Stennis Space Center. The following offices frequently post contract opportunities:

• NASA Stennis Space Center
• NASA Shared Services Center
• Naval Oceanographic Office
• Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command
• National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Contracts are posted frequently and often with tight deadlines or an intended contractor. So, check postings regularly.

Apply for Subcontracts With SSC’s Major Contractors & Prime Vendors

Prime Vendors are vendors that contract directly with the government and may hire subcontractors to fulfill the contract’s needs beyond what they provide themselves. Opportunities to subcontract with large, multi-year contracts abound.

Residents at SSC contract for everything from clerical help to rocket fuel suppliers. Get to know the main contractors at Stennis, what products and services they offer, and connect with them about becoming registered as a potential subcontractor.

Stennis Space Center (SSC) Major Contractors

The following businesses either work or are under contract at Stennis Space Center. Visit their business pages to contact them or register as a supplier.

• SpaceX
• Aerojet Rocketdyne
• Paragon Systems Inc.
• Science Applications International Corporation
• Rolls-Royce North America
• Lockheed Martin
• Leidos
• General Dynamics
• Peraton
• PAE

SSC Contractors

Below are some current prime vendors at NASA and information about how to register your business as their subcontractor.

Syncom Space Services (S3)

S3 is currently under contract with NASA until June 30, 2025, for rocket testing, operations, and maintenance services. S3 purchases the following from subcontractors:

Apply to Be an S3 Vendor

1. Visit SyncomSpaceServices.com/vendors
2. Complete the Vendor Registration application
3. Once you’ve been approved as a vendor, regularly log in to view RFPs

Alutiiq Essential Services

Alutiiq will provide technical services for laboratory operations at SSC through November 1, 2025. 

Supplier Opportunities

• Gases, especially helium
• Chemicals, especially solstice and pH buffer
• Cleanroom Bags and supplies
• Gloves

Apply to Be an Alutiiq Vendor

To apply to be a subcontractor, visit the Afognak Native Corporation Due Diligence portal and follow the registration instructions.