Brittany A. Butler

Brittany A. Butler serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions to advance next-generation space and aerospace technologies. Her portfolio centers on rapid prototyping and foundational research initiatives supporting space domain awareness, resilient computing architectures, and high-performance instrumentation. She manages complex procurement actions under FAR and DFARS guidelines, primarily supporting research and development contracts that bridge cutting-edge engineering with operational deployment. Her work directly enables the Air Force’s strategic priorities in autonomous space systems and next-generation satellite communications. Butler cultivates partnerships with a diverse range of contractors specializing in advanced propulsion systems, irradiation apparatuses, and experimental instrumentation. While no single vendor dominates her award profile, she consistently engages with firms possessing deep technical expertise in aerospace R&D, including specialized small businesses and mid-tier defense contractors with proven capabilities in high-energy physics and space-qualified hardware. Her contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and agile acquisition pathways to accelerate innovation cycles. Butler demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 25% of her acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. She prioritizes socioeconomic programs that foster innovation from emerging vendors, particularly those with proven capabilities in engineering research and specialized manufacturing. While the majority of her contracts remain open to all competitors, her deliberate use of small business set-asides reflects a strategic effort to broaden the industrial base and cultivate next-generation defense suppliers. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541715 and 541712, reflecting her deep engagement in physical and engineering research, including propulsion system development, radiation-hardened electronics, and space-compatible instrumentation. She frequently procures custom-designed irradiation apparatuses (NAICS 334517) and advanced test equipment critical to validating performance under extreme space environments. Her technical acumen spans aerospace systems integration, materials science, and high-reliability electronics, making her a key enabler of the Air Force’s leadership in space technology innovation.