Ashley Korman

Ashley P. Korman serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex research and development acquisitions to advance next-generation space and aerospace technologies. Her portfolio centers on high-priority initiatives in resilient computing, space domain awareness, and autonomous satellite systems, supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to maintain technological superiority in the space domain. Korman manages full lifecycle contracting actions—from market research and solicitation development to award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while accelerating innovation through rapid prototyping pathways. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Korman routinely engages with a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors, research institutions, and advanced technology firms specializing in propulsion systems, space instrumentation, and high-performance computing. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor and performance-based outcomes, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions under tight developmental timelines. She frequently collaborates with firms possessing deep expertise in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and experimental instrumentation. Korman’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 83.3% of her actions conducted without set-aside restrictions. However, she consistently allocates 16.7% of her portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding small business participation in high-tech space R&D. Her socioeconomic strategy prioritizes enabling agile, innovative small firms with proven technical capabilities over broad socioeconomic categories. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712, encompassing research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences—particularly in propulsion, avionics, and space-based sensor systems. She specializes in acquiring prototype systems, test instrumentation, and computational modeling services critical to advancing autonomous space operations and next-generation satellite architectures.