NASA chooses business consultancy for $292M STEM support contract

Gettyimages.com / John Coletti

The space agency sought a contractor to help carry out programs and develop content for education efforts.

NASA has awarded a potential five-year, $290 million contract to business management consultancy Guardians of Honor for professional services in support of the agency's education and outreach efforts.

The contract announced Thursday covers awards and grants support, education content and products, internships and fellowships at NASA, participant recruitment, and workforce and career learning experiences.

Arlington, Virginia-headquartered Guardians of Honor will be responsible for services to help NASA engage and immerse students in so-called STEM education -- science, technology, engineering and math.

NASA is also using the STEM products and services contract to bring into its fold students that are in underrepresented and underserved communities, further enhance STEM literacy, and inspire interest in space and aeronautics programs.

Guardians of Honor's work will also cover K-12 STEM engagement, professional development of educators, competitions and challenges for college students, institutional support for research-and-development, performance assessments and evaluations.