PSL set-asides at NASA

      NASA is setting aside entire Product Service Lines (PSLs) for procurements from underserved communities, including Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs).

      The agency announced the move and other steps in its recent Equity Action Plan, released in response to President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 13985 on advancing racial equity and support for the underserved.

      NASA “has updated its acquisition process to require contracts for certain PSLs to be set-aside for small business categories and AbilityOne Programs,” the agency said.

      The PSL set-asides are for:

• Custodial services;
• Communication services;
• Grounds maintenance;
• STEM engagement;
• Protective services;
• Acquisition support; and
• Financial support services.

      The changes will be fully implemented as existing contracts are replaced within the next three to five years. NASA expects SDB obligations to grow to $2.3 billion with help from the PSL set-asides, up from $2 billion currently.

      Other NASA equity plans include:

• Producing a study on barriers to contracting with NASA by March 2023;
• Conducting outreach sessions and focus groups wth small vendors;
• Launching the Science Mission Directorate Bridge Program in 2022, with a proposed budget of $5 million this year, to create partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions, among others; and
• Expanding Dual Anonymous Peer Review of grant proposals to reduce bias against women and minorities.

More information:
NASA plan: https://go.nasa.gov/3N2n79w

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