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This is a Statement of Objectives (SOO) for an executive development training program to be delivered by the University of North Carolina (UNC), Kenan-Flagler Business School for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The program will run November 2-6, 2026, at the Kennedy Learning Institute, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida, with virtual access via TEAMS or WebEx available as needed. UNC shall provide 4.5 days of instructor/facilitator-led instruction, government panel discussions, program management services, evaluation summaries, an industry executive panel, course materials, and a completion roster to address the stated learning objectives.

The training addresses five core learning objectives aligned with Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): (1) Strategic Understanding of the Aerospace Environment—developing systems-level comprehension of the aerospace value chain, industry cost drivers, development cycles, and external market forces; (2) Acquisition & Contracting Implications—translating industry realities into efficient procurement strategies that reduce cycle time and increase competition; (3) Industry Stakeholder Mapping & Communication—enhancing engagement capabilities with prime contractors, subcontractors, emerging entrants, and suppliers through transparent, merit-based interactions; (4) Data-Driven Decision Making—utilizing aerospace market data and cost/technical insights to improve outcomes; and (5) Advancing Merit-Based Culture & Workforce Credibility—building professional credibility across senior leadership levels (SES/GS14-15). The program targets senior program and project leaders executing complex, high-dollar, high-value NASA missions and will employ lectures, small group discussions, experiential learning, and individualized coaching.

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STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

1. Objective/Requirements

Strategic Understanding of the Aerospace Environment Objective (Achieving Results –

ECQ 5)

Develop a clear, systems-level understanding of the aerospace sector, focused on traditional and commercial companies market intelligence and business practices in an effort to enable faster, more informed decision-making and strategic leadership across all phases of the acquisition lifecycle.

Requirements:

• Demonstrate understanding of the aerospace value chain (launch, spacecraft, propulsion, manufacturing, services).

• Explain key industry cost drivers, development cycles, and risk profiles.

• Understand how external forces (market shifts, industrial base constraints, regulatory requirements, anticipated ROI, shareholder valuation) impact contracting strategies and mission outcomes.

Acquisition & Contracting Implications Objective (Driving Efficiency – ECQ 2):

Translate aerospace industry realities into efficient procurement strategies that reduce cycle time, increase competition, and enhance mission performance.

Requirements:

• Identify how industry capabilities, constraints, and cost/performance incentives shape proposal quality, pricing, and delivery.

• Assess when to use various contracting mechanisms in alignment with industry readiness and risk.

• Apply aerospace industry knowledge to streamline acquisition planning, evaluation, and negotiation processes.

Industry Stakeholder Mapping & Communication Objective (Merit & Competence –

ECQ 3):

Enhance competence in engaging with aerospace partners—prime contractors, subs, new entrants, and suppliers—to foster transparent, merit-based interactions.

Requirements:

• Map major industry players, emerging entrants, and niche suppliers.

• Demonstrate professional communication practices that reflect fairness, ethics, and transparency.

• Strengthen ability to evaluate contractor claims, capability statements, and performance data using objective, industry-specific indicators.

• Gain industry feedback influential to bid/no bid and negotiation strategies.

Data-Driven Decision Making Objective (Driving Efficiency & Achieving Results ECQs 2/5):

Use aerospace market data and cost/technical insights to make decisions that improve outcomes and reduce inefficiencies.

Requirements:

• Interpret industry benchmarks for schedule, cost, quality, and reliability.

• Apply data analytics or available NASA/DoD/industry metrics to evaluate bids, performance or negotiation strategies.

• Identify early indicators of contractor underperformance or risk.

Advancing Merit-Based Culture & Workforce Credibility Objective (Merit & Competence ECQ 3):

Build professional credibility and technical competence across the SES/GS14-15 leadership continuum by demonstrating mastery of the aerospace environment.

Requirements:

• Model merit-based, evidence-driven decision behaviors for staff and peers.

• Contribute to cultivating a culture of high standards, technical competence, and stewardship.

• Educate attendees on availability and utility of tools available for strategic market intelligence

2. Vendor: University of North Carolina (UNC), Kenan-Flagler Business School

Executive Development program, tailored NASA Understanding Defense Industry Program for MSFC/NASA, shall provide lectures, small group discussions, experiential learning, and individualized coaching that will aid senior program and project leaders on industry insights and driving business solutions tailored to companies executing complex, high-dollar, high-value, NASA missions and requirements.

3. Characteristics, Scope, and Specs

UNC shall provide the following duties:

• Provide Instructor/Facilitators for 4.5 days

• Provide Government Panel Discussions

• Program Management Services

• Program Evaluation summaries

• Provide and host an Industry Executive Panel

• Provide the learning session to the greatest extent in person; via TEAMs or

WebEx Access, if needed

• Provide course work and course Material to address above learning objectives

• Provide completion roster

4. Place of Performance

Kennedy Learning Institute (KLI), Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL 32953;

virtual through TEAMS or WebEx, if needed for speakers/presenters.

5. Period of Performance Training will be held between the dates of November 2, 2026 through November 6, 2026.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .