I hope you had a productive week and found time to move at least one of your goals forward. For the next few weeks, we’ll do some pop-up lives here in the community. Today’s schedule is tight, so if I get a window to go live, I’ll post here when I’m about to jump on. If you’re available, come join us! Bring a question, an opportunity you’re looking at, or a win from the week. If you can’t make it, drop a comment below. What did you get done this week, and what are you working on next? Have a great weekend! Tara

Following this morning’s NASA session, I wanted to share the purchasing categories highlighted on their “Top Kennedy Space Center NAICS Codes” slide. NAICS codes describe industries and help you research where your business may fit: • 336414: Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 541715: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology* • 236210: Industrial Building Construction • 561210: Facilities Support Services • 541330: Engineering Services • 541512: Computer Systems Design Services • 561612: Security Guards and Patrol Services • 541380: Testing Laboratories and Services • 325120: Industrial Gas Manufacturing • 541519: Other Computer Related Services The presentation listed the older research code 541712; check the code used in each current solicitation. Don’t count yourself out because your industry isn’t on this list! Our medical equipment business wasn’t listed here either. But when I introduced CFS and asked a question, the team directed me toward contacts and locations that may purchase what we offer. These categories are a starting point for research—not a list of open contracts or a complete picture of everything NASA buys. Contact the agency’s small business office, ask about upcoming information sessions, and explain what your business can provide. NASA calls its office OSBP; other agencies may use OSDBU. Showing up, asking questions, and building relationships can open doors you didn’t know existed. 😊 Do any of these categories connect with your business—or a partner you could work with? Share below! -CFS Community Team

When I thought about NASA, I thought about space exploration. I honestly didn’t think our work in medical equipment, consulting, and education would have much connection to what they purchase. Well, lo and behold! 😊 I joined NASA’s small business information session, introduced CFS, and asked where our capabilities might fit. They gave me contacts and information about locations that purchase the types of products and services we offer. If I hadn’t shown up and asked, I wouldn’t have made those connections. NASA also provided a customized market research report based on our primary NAICS code—the code that describes our business activity. It identified purchasing history, relevant NASA buying offices, and other federal agencies purchasing within our industry. That gives us something concrete to research and follow up on! Here are a few takeaways for anyone growing a business: ✅ Reach out to the agency’s small business office. Depending on the agency, it may be called the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) or the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Ask about information sessions, buyer contacts, and resources for your industry. ✅ Ask questions—even when the connection isn’t obvious. You don’t have to know every answer before attending. Sometimes your question is what opens the door. ✅ Understand what the agency needs. NASA’s report encouraged us to start with the agency’s requirements and consider how our capabilities can help meet them. ✅ Explore relationships with prime contractors, too. Subcontracting and supplier partnerships may offer another path to supporting an agency. ✅ Follow through. Save the contacts, review the resources, and send a thoughtful introduction explaining what you can provide. Whether you’re pursuing government contracts or growing another part of your business, relationships matter. A supplier, small business specialist, or fellow business owner may connect you with a resource you never knew existed. Today wasn’t a contract award—it was a valuable step toward understanding where CFS can fit. And that’s progress.