How can small businesses pursue contracts with commercial space companies like Axiom Space? 2026

According to GSA guidelines, contractors must register in SAM.gov, maintain up-to-date representations and certifications, and be prepared to flow down FAR clauses to succeed as subcontractors to commercial space primes. This step is essential because many prime contractors and agency cooperative agreements require active SAM registration to validate socio-economic status and past performance. Per FAR 19.502, small businesses can participate through set-asides, subcontracting plans, and competitive teaming arrangements that obligate primes to identify small business opportunities. The SBA reports that 78% of small firms pursuing federal subcontracts cite administrative registration and compliance as the primary barrier to award, so plan 60–120 days for registration and documentation. For lunar systems and commercial LEO programs, NASA’s Office of Small Business Programs provides prep resources and matchmaking; Department of Commerce export and trade programs can help with international supply chain compliance. Include GSA, SBA and FAR items in your capability statement and be ready to demonstrate quality controls, ITAR/ear compliance, and any cybersecurity posture required by primes.

Per FAR 19.502, small businesses can be awarded subcontracts or prime set-asides when they meet size standards and socio-economic eligibility, which primes must document in their acquisition strategies. Per FAR requirements, primes often require small suppliers to accept flowdowns for quality, delivery, and security—including DFARS/DoD clauses when a prime integrates with national security programs. Under OMB M-25-21, agencies will increasingly require modern digital procurements and supplier data transparency, so prepare machine-readable capability statements and past performance records. The Department of Commerce recommends leveraging its new frontier-of-space programs to connect to primes and export-ready markets. For opportunity identification, review NASA’s Appendix I Commercial Destination Development solicitations, subcontracting opportunities listed on SAM.gov, and prime contractor sources sought announcements—then align NAICS codes, GSA schedules, and SBIR/STTR opportunities with your technical scope.

The SBA reports that 78% of small businesses said proactive teaming and certification drove their ability to win prime subcontracts, so prioritize socio‑economic registrations and capability documentation. According to GSA guidelines, contractors must include detailed past performance narratives, NAICS alignment, and a subcontracting plan (if applicable) when responding to requests for information or proposals from primes. Under OMB M-25-21, agencies will demand clearer supplier data and cloud-linked acquisition records, increasing the value of a FedRAMP-authorized SaaS offering for a systems integrator. DoD's CMMC framework requires increased cybersecurity readiness for firms handling controlled information; even non-DoD primes now expect evidence of cybersecurity maturity. Use SBA and NASA OSBP matchmaking and state commissions for introductions—Texas Space Commission awards and other state grants have funded prime-paired pilots, easing entry for small firms when primes seek low-risk suppliers.

Under OMB M-25-21, agencies will push for standardized acquisition data and digital workflows that favor suppliers with structured proposals and accessible compliance documentation. According to GSA guidelines, contractors must be ready to produce cost models, subcontractor flowdowns, and proof of financial capacity—especially when primes bid multi‑million dollar orbital or lunar system contracts. Per FAR 19.702, primes must provide subcontracting opportunities and report on small business participation; use that requirement to lobby for defined scopes you can fulfill. The Department of Commerce recommends leveraging export assistance and space industry roadmaps to understand international content rules and export licensing timelines. Plan 6–12 months lead time to integrate into a prime’s supply chain and budget $25,000–$250,000 for tooling, certification, and security posture improvements depending on hardware versus software deliveries.

DoD's CMMC framework requires contractors who process controlled unclassified information to demonstrate cybersecurity practices; primes increasingly require similar evidence for mission‑critical systems on commercial stations or lunar programs. Per FAR 52.204-21 and DFARS clauses, expect cybersecurity and supply chain clauses to be flowed down; primes may require a C3PAO assessment or FedRAMP authorization depending on cloud services. According to GSA guidelines, contractors must allocate budget and schedule to meet those clauses—typically $50K–$200K and 3–9 months for medium-complexity compliance. The SBA and NASA OSBP advise small firms to partner with a compliance integrator or to join a prime’s mentor-protégé agreement to share compliance costs. Maintain a clear route to certification and be transparent about what you will deliver as a subcontractor to avoid delay in prime proposal timelines.

According to GSA guidelines, contractors must engage with primes early—well before RFP release—to influence statement of work and position themselves for subcontract awards. Build a compact capability statement (1–2 pages) that lists NAICS, key past performance with dollar amounts and dates, socio-economic certifications, and your compliance posture (ITAR, DFARS, CMMC/FedRAMP). Per FAR 52.219-9 and related subcontracting plan rules, ask primes for specific small business work packages and document these in teaming agreements. The SBA and NASA OSBP recommend using state-level space commissions and Department of Commerce programs to secure pilot funding; for example, state grants often fund initial integration tests that primes can reference. Budget 90–180 days for matchmaking and 3–12 months to achieve any required certifications; track costs and present a clear schedule and milestones to primes.