[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 14, Volume 5] [Revised as of January 1, 2008] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 14CFR1204.401] [Page 34] TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE SPACE ADMINISTRATION PART 1204_ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY AND POLICY--Table of Contents Subpart 4_Small Business Policy Sec. 1204.401 Policy. (a) It is the policy of NASA to enable small business concerns (including small women-owned businesses), Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and other minority educational institutions the opportunity to participate equitably and proportionately in its total purchases and contracts consistent with NASA's needs to execute its missions. (b) In carrying out the NASA procurement program, the primary consideration shall be that of securing contract performance, including obtaining deliveries of required items or services at the time, in the quantity and of the quality prescribed. In the area of research and development contracts, the general policy of NASA is to award such contracts to those organizations determined by responsible personnel to have a high degree of competence in the specific branch of science or technology required for the successful conduct of the work. It is in the interest of the civilian space program that the number of firms engaged in research and development work for NASA be expanded and that there be an increase in the extent of participation in such work by competent small and small disadvantaged business firms.