Aaron Rhoads, Major, USSF

Major Aaron Rhoads, U.S. Space Force, serves as a key contracting professional within the FA8810 Space Sensing Systems Squadron, where he supports the development and acquisition of next-generation space-based sensing systems critical to national security. His role centers on managing complex research and development procurements for Medium Earth Orbit missile tracking and overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) capabilities, ensuring the integration of resilient, high-performance sensors into contested orbital environments. He is instrumental in translating operational requirements from space domain awareness and missile defense communities into technically rigorous solicitation packages, with a focus on advancing next-generation space sensing architectures. Major Rhoads collaborates with a broad ecosystem of defense contractors and aerospace innovators specializing in advanced electro-optical/infrared sensor development, spaceborne data processing, and secure communications for space-based platforms. While specific contractor names are not disclosed in available records, his procurement pattern reflects consistent engagement with Tier-1 defense primes and mid-tier technology firms capable of delivering classified, high-reliability space systems under stringent performance and schedule constraints. His working relationships emphasize technical collaboration, rapid prototyping, and risk-sharing partnerships to accelerate capability delivery. Major Rhoads maintains a strict preference for open, non-set-aside acquisitions, with 100% of his procurements conducted under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized, classified, and technologically advanced nature of the systems he acquires, where proprietary capabilities and national security constraints limit the pool of qualified vendors. Consequently, socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB are not utilized in his portfolio. His primary procurement focus is squarely on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—encompassing advanced OPIR sensor design, MEO constellation integration, signal processing algorithms, and space-based battle management systems. He specializes in acquiring cutting-edge space sensing technologies that enhance space situational awareness and enable persistent, all-weather missile warning capabilities across the global battlespace.