The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 (S. 3729) identified Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as a “multi-user launch complex for Government and commercial” operations. The KSC team has since met the challenge and transformed the center. The dedicated civil servant and contractor workforce has refurbished and repurposed Kennedy’s institutional facilities and infrastructure and honed and grown its technological skills to capably service Government and commercial users and their ambitious missions. Today, KSC is the nation’s premier, multi-user spaceport.
To accommodate doing business, KSC’s Spaceport Development Division (SDD) is the facilitator. SDD serves as KSC’s “front door” to industry, academia, and other government organizations interested in exploring cooperative opportunities.
A: KSC can partner with organizations from government, industry and academia.There are several ways to partner with KSC:
In response to a Public Announcement: KSC uses various types of public announcements to communicate information about available assets. These formal communications, including Announcement for Proposal (AFP), Request for Information (RFI), and Notice of Availability (NOA), can be found on the SAM.gov Contract Opportunities website, and the NASA Acquisition Internet Service website.
Online Request Form: From any page on this website, there is a link to submit an online inquiry, question or request: Interest Request Form.
Email: Inquiries, questions, or request for more information can be sent to KSC-Partnerships@mail.nasa.gov
A: KSC uses a variety of partnership agreements that are based on the needs of both the partner and the Center. While some requirements are standard for all agreements, every partnership agreement has its unique nuances and is customized to accommodate the goals of the partner. Each partner works with a KSC Partnership Development Manager to identify the best approach for all parties. Because of this custom approach, the timeline for executing an agreement varies, though the goal is to complete the transaction as efficiently as possible.
A: KSC welcomes all tenants and works with each user’s requirements to determine the optimal location in accordance with KSC’s Master Plan strategy. All tenants coordinate the scheduling and execution of hazardous operations with NASA and provide information to enable NASA to respond to security, fire, medical and environmental emergencies. In addition, NASA maintains a spaceport master schedule of integrated operations that partners participate in to ensure effective communication of schedules.
A: Kennedy Space Center’s Master Plan is well underway and scheduled for release in spring 2025. This comprehensive plan is based on KSC’s 2021 Future Development Concept and represents a significant step forward in achieving KSC’s strategic objectives and long-term vision.
As we continue to refine and execute this plan, we remain committed to transparency and open communication with our stakeholders. Together we will navigate the journey towards success. Stay tuned for further updates as we work diligently towards completing the KSC Master Plan and the opportunities that lie ahead.
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. The nature of the work should be unique, such that no outside commercial operator could perform the work without significant knowledge of working onsite at KSC. A reimbursable services agreement is required with advance funding. In no circumstance will the Government become financially liable for services requested by and provided to partners.
A: Spaceport Development Division evaluates all inquiries and determines if they meet the following criteria, which are established to help assess the value and feasibility of the proposed partnership. Detailed criteria, conditions and limitations are associated with specific opportunities, but, in general, partnerships may be appropriate if:
*Proposed uses of KSC physical assets are compatible with existing and future spaceport operations and consistent with KSC environmental stewardship responsibilities and the management of lands making up the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore.
*The partnership proposal is clearly aligned with the spaceport resources and activities, or the proposal contributes to the asset management responsibilities of Government-wide directives at KSC.
*Proposed uses of KSC physical assets – Government real property – are consistent with the KSC Master Plan, current agency policy and regulations governing asset management, and demonstrate a clear and equitable benefit to KSC consistent with its contribution.
A: Divesting without diminishing is a strategy used by KSC to acknowledge that not all capabilities developed by the Agency will be retained and funded as-is. Supplies and services that were required by the Agency for previous, retired programs may not be immediately required for new programs. However, significant demand opportunity may exist to provide comparable services to commercial industry. In these instances, KSC seeks to retain a suite of available capabilities that can meet commercial requirements and also be available to support government requirements when they arise.
A: KSC is home to more than 30 laboratories and test facilities staffed by hundreds of engineers, scientists and technical experts covering a wide range of fields. Our laboratories are able to partner to provide solutions to a variety of challenges. Most laboratories and test facilities are operated by KSC employees, although a few are considered user facilities open to outside entities like payload developers. Check out the Testing and Laboratories webpage to find out more about our unique capabilities and submit an Interest Request Form when you’re ready to partner with us.
A: For information on KSC’s physical assets, go to the link at KSC Physical Assets
To follow updates on these physical assets, go to the link KSC Physical Assets FAQs
Ready to Launch?
Ready to explore a partnership, or simply need more information? Please submit your inquiry to our KSC Facilitator.