Connecticut Manufacturers Connect with NASA and Aerospace Prime Contractors at University of Hartford Event

On Thursday, April 3, over 100 Connecticut manufacturers and processors had the unique opportunity at the University of Hartford to engage directly with NASA and its prime contractors about propelling their pathway into the aerospace supply chain. 

“We are thrilled to welcome NASA back to Connecticut,” said Melissa Grosso, Director of U.S. Commercial Service, Connecticut Office. 

“This procurement seminar is a vital opportunity for Connecticut manufacturers to understand both the intricacies of space-related contracts and how they can contribute to the supply chain.” 

“NASA, I’m proud you’re here to say ‘hi’ to some of the best folks we have in aerospace and advanced engineering. We want to be part of Team NASA and everything that means,” said Governor Ned Lamont, speaking at the event. 

Doing Business with NASA and Their Primes was presented by CONNSTEP, Aerospace Component Manufacturers, Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, and the U.S. Commercial Service. It was hosted by the University of Hartford. 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome NASA, their prime contractors, and CT industry partners to campus for this event,” said Hisham Alnajjar, Dean, College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture and Interim Director, NASA CT Space Grant Consortium. 

Alnajjar delivered the day’s opening remarks along with Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, who served as event emcee. 

“Since 1991, the University of Hartford has been proud to be the lead institution for the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, whose office is located on our campus. This fruitful partnership has led to hands-on learning opportunities that position our students and faculty to be leaders in the aerospace technologies of the future,” said Alnajjar. 

“This is an invaluable chance for Connecticut manufacturers and processors to directly engage with NASA and their prime contractors, empowering them to diversify, innovate, and thrive in a highly competitive global market,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, President & CEO, CONNSTEP. 

“CONNSTEP is proud to support this event, which will undoubtedly strengthen Connecticut’s position as a hub for aerospace manufacturing and technological innovation.” 

“This exciting opportunity will foster collaboration and provide valuable insights into technologies that drive innovation and NASA’s groundbreaking projects and partnerships,” said Ron Angelo, President & CEO, CCAT. 

Featured NASA speakers John Koelling, Director of Aeronautics Research, Langley Research Center, and Sharon Cobb, Ph.D., Space Launch System Associate Program Manager, Marshall Space Flight Center, delivered overviews of diverse NASA programs, including the Artemis campaign missions, where dozens of Connecticut companies are already making critical contributions that are helping to return humans to the moon, and laying the groundwork for missions to Mars. 

“American industry in all 50 states is playing an indispensable and expanding role in returning humans to the moon, and on to Mars, and we’re excited to be here in Connecticut today educating potential new team members on how to bring their talents to bear for NASA’s missions,” said Cobb. 

NASA’s David Brock, Small Business Specialist at Marshall Space Flight Center, detailed the roles of contractors and suppliers in the aerospace supply chain, highlighting the importance small businesses play. 

Brock also spoke about the NASA Mentor Protégé Program, which focuses on addressing NASA’s supply chain gaps. 

“The aerospace component manufacturers and processors in our region are eager to engage with NASA and their prime contractors to gain insight into their evolving supply chain needs,” said Jessica Taylor, Executive Director, Aerospace Component Manufacturers. 

Representatives from the prime contractors including Aerojet Rocketdyne, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Amentum, and Teledyne Brown Engineering were on hand to meet with attendees and share insights into the world of aerospace and technology. During a morning panel, they discussed their relationships with NASA, supplier approval processes, and small business success stories, followed by an audience Q&A. 

“With proven expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities, our companies are well-equipped to support NASA’s current and future space missions, and we are pleased to host them here in Connecticut,” said Taylor.

“Partnering with Connecticut aerospace companies and NASA to form strategic supplier relationships strengthens the state’s industrial base and plants a flag in the space economy,” said Angelo.

“Together, we are shaping a future where Connecticut leads in advanced manufacturing and innovation.” 

The day culminated in a powerful networking session, where manufacturers connected with industry experts, exploring the vast potential for growth and collaboration through partnerships with NASA and its prime contractors. 

“Connecticut has a long and deep history of innovation in aerospace and defense, and we have numerous companies that are ready to help NASA achieve their goals by tapping into our supply chain companies,” said Lavoie. 

“This program is an important step in continuing to connect Connecticut’s world-class aerospace supply chain to NASA and their primes,” said Grosso. 

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