Training Purchase over $25,000.00 / HRC1725841 - University of North Carolina Understanding Aerospace Industry Course

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. -- 1 of 3 -- 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. -- 2 of 3 -- 5. Period of Performance Training will be held between the dates of November 2, 2026 through November 6, 2026. -- 3 of 3 --