Benjamin Bray

Benjamin Bray serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where he plays a critical role in executing complex research and development acquisitions to advance next-generation space propulsion systems and resilient aerospace technologies. He manages the full lifecycle of contracts—from market research and solicitation to award and administration—ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission to accelerate innovation in space domain awareness, satellite communications, and autonomous space operations. His portfolio primarily consists of high-technical-risk, rapid-prototyping efforts requiring specialized engineering expertise and agile contracting methodologies. Bray collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors, academic research institutions, and advanced technology firms specializing in propulsion systems, hypersonics, and space-based instrumentation. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages with firms possessing deep domain expertise in rocket combustion dynamics, thruster design, and high-fidelity modeling tools. His contracting approach emphasizes technical merit, performance-based outcomes, and collaboration with industry partners capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions under tight developmental timelines. Bray’s procurement activities reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions classified as “No Set-Aside.” This indicates a focus on selecting the most technically qualified offerors regardless of socioeconomic status, prioritizing mission-critical capability over mandated set-asides. While small business participation is not formally targeted in his portfolio, he remains compliant with all federal procurement regulations and may engage small businesses when they demonstrate unique technical capabilities. His primary NAICS classification is 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—reflecting his exclusive focus on foundational aerospace R&D. He procures advanced engineering services, computational modeling, prototype development, and test instrumentation for next-generation propulsion systems, with deep expertise in solid and hybrid rocket technologies, electric propulsion, and space-qualified materials.