Brad C Sampson

Brad C. Sampson serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate, supporting mission-critical acquisitions in aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, and advanced materials. Operating under the FA8650 contract vehicle, he manages complex research and development contracts aimed at accelerating next-generation propulsion systems and adaptive flight control technologies. His work directly enables the Department of the Air Force’s strategic objectives in sustaining air and space dominance through cutting-edge engineering innovation. Sampson specializes in high-technical-risk, early-stage R&D procurements, often involving prototype development, materials characterization, and systems integration for extreme-environment applications. He maintains longstanding relationships with industry leaders including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, partnering with firms possessing deep expertise in propulsion systems, composite materials, and flight control algorithms. These collaborations are typically structured as cost-reimbursement or other transactional agreements to accommodate high-uncertainty R&D environments. Sampson’s contracting approach emphasizes technical agility, rapid prototyping, and iterative development cycles, fostering close alignment between government scientists and industry engineers to transition laboratory innovations into operational capability. Sampson’s procurement portfolio exhibits no set-aside preferences, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the technical requirements, where only a limited pool of vendors possesses the necessary clearance, facilities, and domain expertise to meet mission-critical performance standards. While small business participation is not formally prioritized, contractors with relevant capabilities—regardless of size—are evaluated strictly on technical merit and past performance. His primary focus lies in NAICS 334413, Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, reflecting a strong emphasis on advanced sensors, control electronics, thermal management systems, and integrated avionics for hypersonic and propulsion platforms. He procures high-reliability microelectronics, radiation-hardened components, and functional materials engineered for extreme temperatures and mechanical stress, ensuring system resilience in next-generation air and space platforms.