FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 19, 2020

Congressmen Garcia, McCarthy, and NASA Administrator Bridenstine
Hold Virtual Discussion with Small Businesses About Opportunities to
Support NASA's Artemis Program 

 This evening, Congressman Mike Garica, Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine held a virtual discussion on Opportunities for Small Businesses in California's 23rd and 25th Congressional Districts to Support NASA's Artemis Program. Joined by over 100 constituents, this discussion shared with small businesses the process by which they could apply for NASA Contracts. The Artemis Program is NASA's designation for their lunar exploration missions and NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center plays a significant role throughout that program.

Congressman Mike Garcia released the following statement:

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and essential to the continued success of our space exploration. NASA's storied existence in Southern California is only possible thanks to the innovative small businesses that help fulfill their mission. It is extremely appropriate that today's conversation took place on National Aviation Day: It allowed us to highlight how crucial the 25th District remains to the success of NASA endeavors and the security of our nation. The Antelope Valley's nickname of the Aerospace Valley is well-earned and I look forward to working with Congressman McCarthy and Administrator Bridenstine to find more opportunities for our small businesses to play even bigger roles within the Artemis Program."

Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement:

"I am grateful to represent such a diverse community in Congress, and today's virtual event for constituents to learn about potential job opportunities with NASA, reflects that diversity. Our space corridor – composed of NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, AFRL Rocket Lab, Edwards AFB, NAWS China Lake, Mojave Air and Space Port, and Plant 42 – has a long-standing tradition of making critical contributions to our nation's space endeavors. 

"And today, whether supporting NASA Armstrong or the Artemis program, there are many opportunities for local residents and businesses to partner with NASA, and I encourage them to research these prospects. I thank NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine for joining us today and for recognizing the importance of small businesses to NASA, as well as Congressman Mike Garcia, who in his short time in Congress has repeatedly demonstrated that he is fully committed to ensuring his constituents have the resources they need to succeed."

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine released the following statement:

"Small businesses play an important role in America's space program, including NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center and in our lunar exploration program -- Artemis. The expertise, ingenuity, and creativity of small businesses will bring us closer to our goal of putting the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024, and we want to provide opportunities for these kinds of commercial partnerships. Congressman McCarthy and Congressman Garcia have shown outstanding leadership when it comes to developing small business opportunities in California, a state where NASA has deep roots."

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