AFRL.RXE.OpenBAA@us.af.mil

AFRL.RXE.OpenBAA@us.af.mil serves as the primary procurement point of contact for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate, overseeing the acquisition of advanced aerospace technologies critical to U.S. air and space dominance. Responsible for managing open Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and research and development contracts, this role facilitates the transition of foundational science into operational propulsion systems, hypersonic platforms, and high-performance materials. The position engages with industry and academia to solicit innovative solutions in propulsion engineering, adaptive flight control, and advanced material synthesis, ensuring alignment with AFRL’s mission to accelerate next-generation capability development through flexible, performance-based contracting approaches. The individual maintains consistent working relationships with leading aerospace and defense contractors including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These partnerships reflect a focus on deep technical collaboration, with contractors typically providing specialized R&D services in jet engine design, thermal protection systems, composite manufacturing, and autonomous control algorithms. The procurement pattern emphasizes long-term, multi-phase technical partnerships rather than transactional procurement, fostering innovation through sustained engagement with firms possessing proven expertise in high-risk, high-reward propulsion technologies. There is no set-aside preference in this individual’s contracting activity; all awards are issued under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven emphasis on technical excellence and capability readiness over socioeconomic targeting, aligning with the highly specialized nature of propulsion and hypersonics research where only a limited pool of qualified vendors possesses the requisite facilities, security clearances, and engineering capabilities. Procurement activity centers on advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic vehicle components, and high-temperature functional materials, corresponding to NAICS categories typically associated with scientific R&D, aerospace product manufacturing, and advanced materials engineering. The technical domain requires deep expertise in turbine systems, combustor design, ceramic matrix composites, and thermal management architectures, with contracts often involving prototype development, ground testing, and flight validation.