The Colorado Space Coalition of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to rapidly pass a FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that retains the key aerospace and defense industry support included in the conferenced bill text released on December 7, 2025. The Coalition highlights the bill’s critical support for America’s aerospace and defense workforce, commercial industry, and next-generation national security technologies.
“The NDAA’s reforms arrive at a pivotal moment for both the nation and Colorado’s rapidly growing space and defense industries, where demand for innovation is increasing as global threats become more complex,” said Leslie Oliver, VP of External Affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
The Coalition applauds the bill’s strong focus in the following areas:
- Streamlining the defense acquisitions process. Faster pathways for prototyping, testing, and fielding new capabilities allow industry to meet national security needs at the pace of technological change.
- Expanded investment in the defense industrial base and the intentional leveraging of commercial industry. Diversifying supply chains, accelerating the integration of commercial capabilities, and expanding opportunities for nontraditional vendors represents a significant step toward a more resilient, agile national security ecosystem. Colorado’s commercial space companies, small satellite manufacturers, data analytics firms, software developers, and technology start-ups stand to benefit as the federal government more fully incorporates commercial solutions into mission needs.
“Colorado is home to some of the most forward-leaning aerospace innovators in the country,” said Lee Rosen, CEO and Co-Founder of ThinkOrbital, a Boulder based aerospace and defense company. “The NDAA is a chance to reinforce that momentum by ensuring small companies have the access, contracting tools, and transition pathways needed to bring breakthrough technologies directly to our warfighters.”
“These improvements ensure breakthroughs in autonomy, space systems, hypersonics, cyber defense, and advanced manufacturing will move into the field much faster than before,” said Morgan Alu, Director of the Colorado Space Coalition. “This speed will serve to strengthen American readiness and the competitiveness of the U.S. industrial base, which will continue to drive growth in Colorado's fast-growing aerospace and defense sector.”
Despite the many great things in the NDAA for Colorado’s aerospace and defense industry, it does not include a renewal for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The Coalition calls on Congress to rapidly pass a renewal of SBIR/STTR, which remains an indispensable engine of innovation for aerospace and defense firms across Colorado. SBIR-backed companies play a central role in advancing U.S. space capabilities, cybersecurity technologies, dual-use systems, and emerging defense applications. Renewal is essential to protecting the health and competitiveness of Colorado’s innovation ecosystem.
We recognize that several provisions debated throughout the total NDAA process have drawn significant attention and discussion, with some discussed elements not ultimately appearing in the conferenced text. From an industry perspective, we encourage continued dialogue to ensure that future legislative efforts support the overall resilience and effectiveness of the national security enterprise and the communities that sustain it.
The Colorado Space Coalition looks forward to working with Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to ensure swift passage of an FY26 NDAA that includes these key acquisition reforms. The Coalition will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen the aerospace and defense industry across the state, as Colorado remains an indispensable part of the nation's defense innovation ecosystem.
The Space Coalition is committed to ensuring Colorado continues to power the nation’s space mission, drive cutting-edge research, and support the industrial capacity required to maintain U.S. leadership in a rapidly evolving global environment.
About the Colorado Space Coalition
The Colorado Space Coalition is a statewide initiative powered by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. The Coalition brings together industry, academia, military innovation partners, and economic development leaders to strengthen Colorado’s position as a global center for aerospace. For more than twenty years, the Coalition has coordinated business attraction, federal policy engagement, supply chain development, and workforce initiatives that advance the state’s aerospace economy. With more than two hundred members across Colorado’s Front Range, the Coalition serves as a unified voice promoting collaboration, industry growth, and the continued leadership of Colorado in the national space ecosystem.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.
The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.
