The partnership model for the DDL is that of a users’ facility. A company can send personnel to carry out its work alongside Goddard DDL users working on NASA projects. A Space Act Agreement (SAA) first must be negotiated and set up with the company, and then all company employees who are designated to use the DDL must go through extensive training in safety and tool usage.

Users Facility Process Steps:

1. Contact to discuss scope, technical feasibility, and the schedule for your project, then develop a statement of work and an estimated cost plan
2. Work with in Goddard’s Innovative Partnerships Program Office to set up an SAA, encompassing the details (billing, facility access, etc) that will allow work to start
3. Have designated employee(s) attend a 2–3-day, safety and lab standard operating procedures training with a DDL safety engineer
4. Have designated employee(s) trained on any specific tools that are necessary for your project
5. Have your workflow plan and materials approved by DDL engineering staff
6. Schedule tool time
7. Begin your project work in the DDL