Claire M. Roberson

Claire M. Roberson serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s RDK division (FA9451), where she manages the acquisition of advanced research and development services critical to national aerospace superiority. Her responsibilities include planning, soliciting, awarding, and administering contracts for cutting-edge technologies in directed energy, electro-optics, laser systems, and advanced instrumentation. She plays a pivotal role in translating the RDK’s scientific mission into executable procurement actions, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while fostering innovation through agile contracting methods. Her portfolio primarily consists of research and development contracts requiring technical rigor and rapid cycle times to support urgent warfighter needs. Roberson collaborates with a diverse array of contractors, including university-affiliated research centers, defense technology firms, and specialized engineering service providers with expertise in physical and engineering sciences. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages vendors capable of delivering high-risk, high-reward R&D solutions under cost-reimbursement and time-and-materials arrangements. Her working relationships emphasize technical capability, past performance in classified or sensitive environments, and the ability to operate under stringent security protocols. Her procurement patterns reflect a strong commitment to small business participation, with approximately one-third of her awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. She actively seeks qualified small businesses with demonstrated expertise in advanced physics and engineering disciplines, though the majority of her acquisitions remain open to all competitors. Her approach balances socioeconomic goals with mission-critical technical requirements, ensuring small business involvement without compromising technical excellence. Roberson’s procurement focus is exclusively aligned with NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). She procures services related to laser vulnerability analysis, optical sensor development, high-energy laser system integration, and advanced test instrumentation. Her domain expertise centers on technologies enabling air dominance through next-generation directed energy and electro-optical systems, requiring deep technical understanding and precise contract language to manage complex, evolving R&D deliverables.