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.
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 have 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.
Learn more about NASA’s Office of Small Business Programs at:
-end-