OSBP Highlights Archive

After 17 years of service to NASA, Glenn A. Delgado, associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), has announced he will retire from NASA, effective Dec. 30. 2023. Delgado’s successor will be identified through a nationwide search and open competition.

“Glenn understands that to chart America’s course in space, we must empower the whole of our nation here at home,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Small businesses across America are indispensable to NASA’s missions, from helping build the most powerful telescope to sending a new generation of explorers to the Moon through Artemis. Glenn’s can-do spirit will continue to expand economic opportunity and help NASA achieve the impossible for decades to come. We wish him well in retirement.”

As the head of OSBP, Delgado provided executive leadership and policy direction for creating programs that ensure all small businesses are given a fair chance to work with NASA. Since his arrival at NASA in 2006, the number of contracts awarded to small businesses has significantly increased. As of this year, NASA has invested more than $3.6 billion dollars directly into small businesses and $3.5 billion subcontracted to small businesses from the agency’s large contractors, equating to 36% of NASA’s total obligated dollars this fiscal year. Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized several new policies and procedures implemented by OSBP as a federal government best practice. On July 18, the SBA announced NASA earned an “A” for the sixth consecutive year for its work with small businesses, exceeding its goals by 18%.

Delgado has been steadfast in his mission of improving workplace culture for employees of color. He has served three consecutive terms as chairperson of the Executive Committee for the Federal Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Director’s Council.

With over 43 years of acquisition experience, Delgado has received multiple awards, including the Presidential Rank Award, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. The Congressional Black Caucus honored Delgado with the Small Business Champion Living Legends Award. NASA also has awarded OSBP approximately six agency-level Group Achievement Awards for its outstanding performance under his leadership.

Prior to Delgado’s appointment to NASA, he served as the director of small business for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the acting director of the Department of the Navy’s Office of Small Business Programs. While at NAVAIR, he worked on several major weapon system programs, serving as the procuring contracting officer for the A-6, EA-6B, and F/A-18 C/D aircraft. Delgado was awarded the Superior Civilian Service medal and two Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service medals for his innovative approaches and performances as a procuring contracting officer and director of small business.

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After 17 years of service to NASA, Glenn A. Delgado, associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), has announced he will retire from NASA, effective Dec. 30, 2023. Delgado’s successor will be identified through a nationwide search and open competition.

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NASA scores an “A” on the SBA Small Business Procurement Scorecard for the fifth straight year!

“At NASA, we work to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all, and a big part of that is how we improve life on Earth through innovation – including technology, medicine, and access to space,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “Our relationships with small businesses help NASA stay on the cutting edge of innovation while allowing us to achieve our small business prime contracting goal to make investments in this country’s future. We will continue to work to identify the barriers to access for small businesses and find ways to create more favorable, equitable procurement practices to help establish the future of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research.”

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The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce presented Glenn A. Delgado, NASA’s associate administrator for the agency’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), with its CEO Award on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

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Human space exploration helps to address fundamental questions about our place in the Universe and the history of our solar system.

David Brock is NASA’s Mentor-Protégé Program manager and a Marshall small business specialist. He works closely with large prime contractors and small businesses to help forge relationships designed to grow capabilities. He has been actively involved in NASA’s small business program for more than 36 years, receiving numerous awards during his career. Brock is proactively supporting legislation promoting small businesses and the executive order on advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government.

Jami Peyton, CEO of Canvas Inc. and the chamber’s vice chair of Small Business & Events, center, and Allison Rhen, HASBAT president and executive vice president of MJLM Engineering, presented the award to Brock.

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In a recent Bloomberg article, it was recognized that NASA is leading the charge in procurement equity among minorities and groups of historically underrepresented businesses among agencies in the federal government.
There are currently 42 open, active solicitation across the government that reference a push for diversity in contracting, and NASA accounts for 29 of those solicitations. 
This is in direct response to President Joe Biden’s January 2021 executive order to assess systemic barriers that limit opportunities to people of color and underserved groups.
Read the full Bloomberg article here: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/tech-and-telecom-law/procurement-base-diversification-has-deepest-foothold-at-nasa

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