Dr. Roger Hathaway ECSU Notes from NASA's HBCU/MI Engagement Forum at Johnson C. Smith
The forum encourager and informed HBCU's of the importance of exploring and investing in a business model that provides them with the capabilities to meet the needs of business, industry, and government (BIG). As a result of congressional changes and the emphasis on competition, for the past ten years NASA and other federal agencies are required to reduce non-competitive awards. This changed has reduced grants for many universities and impacted how business opportunities are awarded. This change also provides an opportunity for HBCU's to enter competitive contracting which opens the door to a larger source of funding opportunities with federal agencies and their contractors.
Attendance at the forum included representatives from Department of the Navy, Orbital ATK, U.S. Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, and numerous representatives from NASA Headquarters and it’s Center's across the country. In addition, minority serving institutional representatives registered to attend the forum.
Each of the below contacts is a potential partner for business opportunities. I hope there will be a follow-up meeting to discuss the need for business model at ECSU that provides contracts opportunities. The development of an exploration team to explore and recommend a strategy to move forward is highly recommended.
