Carl B Norton

Carl B. Norton serves as a Contract Negotiator within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he plays a pivotal role in securing advanced aerospace technologies critical to U.S. air and space dominance. He specializes in negotiating complex research and development contracts focused on next-generation propulsion systems, hypersonic flight technologies, and high-performance functional materials. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to accelerate innovation in adaptive flight control and mission-critical material systems, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs are efficiently transitioned into operational capabilities through strategic procurement practices. Norton maintains consistent, high-trust relationships with leading industry partners including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These contractors are recognized for their technical excellence in propulsion engineering, materials science, and systems integration. His negotiation approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and long-term collaboration, fostering partnerships that bridge government R&D objectives with commercial innovation capacity. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Norton exclusively utilizes Total Small Business Set-Aside authorities under FAR 19.5, ensuring that all acquisitions are reserved for small businesses meeting stringent eligibility criteria. This unwavering commitment reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate a robust, agile small business ecosystem capable of delivering specialized propulsion and materials research services aligned with national defense priorities. His procurement activities are entirely concentrated under NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—reflecting deep expertise in fundamental and applied aerospace R&D. He procures services involving computational fluid dynamics, advanced composite fabrication, propulsion system prototyping, and high-temperature material characterization, consistently aligning contracting actions with the technical demands of next-generation air and space propulsion systems.