Strategic Partnerships

NASA Strategic Partnerships
NASA’s Office of Communications collaborates with external organizations on a non-exclusive basis on projects that inspire humanity and showcase the value of NASA’s mission, and that have the potential for either significant public engagement or to extend NASA’s reach beyond its traditional audience. Strategic collaborations may be informal or may require a Space Act Agreement (SAA) to establish a formal partnership, depending on agency resources required for the collaboration. 

The following information and guidelines apply to engagement collaborations and partnerships with NASA’s Office of Communications: 

Publicly Available Content
NASA’s publicly available content, including images, 3D models, videos, lessons, and other information on NASA’s public websites, can be used by partners and external organizations without permission or a formal Space Act Agreement (SAA) as long as organizations comply with NASA’s Media Usage Guidelines.

Endorsement, Co-branding, and Licensing Agreements 
As a U.S. government agency, NASA cannot endorse, or give the appearance of endorsing, products or brands. NASA does not co-brand products or enter into licensing agreements. NASA does not sponsor organizations, individuals, sporting, or other activities. Organizations wishing to develop a NASA-themed product or merchandising activity should consult NASA’s Merchandise Guidelines. 

Non-Exclusive Partnerships 
In limited cases, NASA may enter into a non-exclusive partnership for a commercial or non-federal product or activity to provide mission information or expertise, help identify relevant imagery, and assist in ensuring they are factually accurate about NASA and its missions. These partnerships often infuse NASA publicly available materials into products or activities that reach non-aerospace or other non-traditional audiences. These partnerships typically assume in-kind support from partners and do not involve the exchange of funds.

Promotional Content 
Promotional content that includes NASA publicly available materials must comply with NASA’s Media Usage and Advertising Guidelines. Imagery with NASA identifiers (logotype, insignia, mission patches, etc.), current astronauts, or current employees may not be used in promotional content. Short-form social media content generally is considered promotional content.

Filming NASA Employees and/or on NASA Property 
Filming NASA employees and/or on NASA property may be permitted for educational content related to a partnership, e.g., a video that will be used with a partner lesson or engagement event. Promotional content may not be filmed on NASA property or with NASA employees. Short-form social media content generally is considered promotional and typically may not include current NASA employees or be filmed on NASA property. 

Entertainment Collaborations 
To collaborate with NASA on a film, documentary, or other entertainment project, consult NASA’s Film and Documentary Guidelines for requirements and processes for submitting a treatment. 

Brand Partnerships 
Brand partnerships* are collaborations with external organizations on projects that incorporate NASA themes or content to inspire and engage non-aerospace audiences in NASA’s missions and/or STEM careers. To submit a statement of interest in forming a brand partnership with NASA, complete and submit the Brand Partnership Intake Form. 

* NASA defines a ‘partnership’ as a distinct type of non-procurement business relationship that does not involve the acquisition of goods and services for the direct benefit of the agency.  If you are seeking a mission-focused or technical partnership, please see NASA’s main Partnerships website.  For information on funded NASA contract opportunities, please refer to www.sam.gov. The Brand Partnership Intake Form should be used only to express interest in a public engagement partnership. 

For more information, please contact our office at hq-partnerships@mail.nasa.gov