Rob Betts requested that the following SBA bulletin be shared with LaRC Contractors Steering Council members.

Hello NASA SBIR/STTR Community,

The NASA SBIR/STTR Program has been closely monitoring the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). After careful deliberations, we are providing an additional extension for Phase I proposals. The new deadline is Monday, April 20, 2020 at 5:00pm EDT.

While we would like to provide maximum relief during this uncertain time, extending beyond this date will have a consequential impact on the proposal review process and ultimately, the timing of the awards and periods of performance.
Small businesses are the core of our program and we remain committed in our mission and vision to empower small businesses to deliver technological innovation that contributes to NASA’s missions, provides societal benefit, and grows the U.S. economy.

Given the domino effect, we carefully selected an extension period that allows our awardees to receive funding in a timely manner. We anticipate award announcements to be made in early July 2020. Given this 4-week extension, funding will be delayed, but we will make every effort to provide funding in the current fiscal year.

We encourage you to keep abreast of the latest updates on our website. Specific details about this extension and ongoing updates can be found on https://sbir.nasa.gov/content/covid-19-impact-nasa-sbirsttr-program.

Updated Solicitation: Please note that the technical details of the solicitation remain the same, but this administrative update has been made and can be found on sbir.nasa.gov/solicitations or on https://beta.sam.gov/opp/f5d8867b0aeb49548e406eece3e93866/view .

Additional Resources

Small Business Administration: SBA has a dedicated page with guidance and resources for businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic – https://sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

NASA Administrator Statement: The agency response to Coronavirus – https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/march-19-administrator-statement-on-agency-response-to-coronavirus

Official Coronavirus Information: For the latest official information – https://coronavirus.gov, https://CDC.gov/coronavirus, and https://USA.gov/coronavirus.

Thank you,

NASA SBIR/STTR Program

Rob Betts requested that the following SBA bulletin be shared with LaRC Contractors Steering Council members.

For Entities Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

RICHMOND, Va. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest federal disaster working capital loans to Virginia small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). SBA acted under authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act recently signed by the President, following a request received from Gov. Ralph Northam. The disaster declaration makes SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) assistance available in the entire Commonwealth.

“SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these small businesses recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19,” said Administrator Carranza. “SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.”

Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses, and 2.75% for private non-profit organizations. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

“Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” said SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Steve Bulger, who oversees SBA programs and services in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C. “Small businesses, private nonprofit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and aquaculture enterprises financially impacted as a direct result of COVID-19 since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for (EIDL) of up to $2M to help meet financial obligations which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.”

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing & Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for an EIDL is Dec. 21, 2020. For more information about COVID-19, please visit: Coronavirus.gov. For information about SBA resources and services, visit: SBA.gov/coronavirus. RA Bulger is available for interviews via phone or Zoom©.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Tim Cannella requested that the following guidance from NASA LaRC Center Director Clayton Turner be shared with LaRC Contractors Steering Council members.

Dear Langley Team,

There are no confirmed cases at Langley as of today, March 17, however, in an effort to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Langley is moving into Stage 3 of our agency response framework, with MANDATORY telework effective Wednesday, March 18, and until further notice.

This step is being taken in accordance with the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread.

A list of mission-essential activities and the limited number of personnel required for these activities, civil servants and contractors, is being finalized with headquarters. Your organizational Directors will provide you with this information as soon as it is available.

Continue to refer to NASA People for information and resources provided by the agency and Coronavirus.gov for the latest CDC guidelines. Additionally, a Langley specific site is now available to providing quick access to center status, information and resources.

CONTRACTORS: Since each contract is unique, contractor employees should seek guidance from their employing company supervisor.

STUDENTS: Interns and other research or fellowship students should contact their NASA Langley Education Program point of contact for guidance as needed.

The status of the center will be updated regularly and communicated to all employees. Please stay in close contact with your supervisor. I, along with my center leadership team and agency leaders, greatly appreciate your understanding, patience and support through this challenging period.

Clayton Turner
Center Director

NASA Response Framework (Rev. 3/16/2020)

President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread

NASA People Website Coronavirus Information Page

Coronavirus.gov

LaRC SOS Website Coronavirus Information and Center Status Page

Rob Betts requested that the following SBA bulletin be shared with LaRC Contractors Steering Council members.

SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza’s Response to the President’s Declaration of a National Emergency

The President’s decision to declare a national emergency represents another significant and very important step in reducing barriers to public health and protecting America’s 30 million small businesses from the threat posed by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The President’s declaration, coupled with the Administration’s unprecedented efforts to mobilize and involve the full force of the federal government and the private sector — including leaders in science, medicine, transportation, finance and business — will help save lives and reduce economic disruptions in every community.

The SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to support small businesses that have incurred substantial economic loss as a result of the outbreak. The Agency is working closely with Governors to make up to $2 million in targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans available to any small business enterprise that has been severely impacted by the situation.

Read the full press release

SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

SBA is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

Learn more

Tips for Small Businesses to Plan for and Respond to Coronavirus

Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people.

Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

Learn more

Tim Cannella requested that the following NASA bulletin be shared with LaRC Contractors Steering Council members.

AGENCYWIDE MESSAGE TO ALL NASA EMPLOYEES

Point of contact: Dr. J.D. Polk, Chief Health and Medical Officer, NASA Headquarters, 202-358-1959

Novel Coronavirus Guidance

The World Health Organization has issued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and the State Department has raised its travel alert recommendation to Level 4, “do not travel to China”. In addition, Health and Human Services has issued a Public Health Emergency for the United States in the wake of the increasing concern over the current Novel Coronavirus. The agency will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in addition to guidance from the agency Chief Health and Medical Officer.

As a precaution, NASA employees and contractors returning from China from personal travel, will not be allowed onto NASA centers until the 14 days of observation and self-care period has expired, and they are determined not to be infectious.

Civil servants impacted by this guidance should consult with their supervisors on telework or alternatively using administrative leave. Contractors should consult with their supervisors.

This notice is being sent agencywide to all employees by NASA INC in the Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters.  This notice is current as of February 3, 2020.