Clifford Johnson

Clifford Johnson serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he manages complex acquisitions supporting next-generation aerospace propulsion, hypersonic systems, and high-performance materials research. His role is central to accelerating the transition of cutting-edge technologies from laboratory innovation to operational capability, overseeing the full lifecycle of research and development contracts, including basic and applied research, prototype development, and technical integration efforts. Johnson’s portfolio emphasizes mission-critical engineering services and advanced material systems essential to sustaining U.S. air and space dominance. He maintains long-standing partnerships with leading aerospace and defense contractors including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These relationships reflect a preference for established industry leaders with proven expertise in propulsion systems, adaptive flight controls, and advanced composites. Johnson consistently engages vendors with deep technical capabilities in high-temperature materials, combustion dynamics, and hypersonic aerothermodynamics, ensuring contract awards align with rigorous performance and safety standards. Johnson’s procurement activity is exclusively non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on accessing the broadest possible pool of technical expertise, prioritizing capability and innovation over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through set-asides, he evaluates all proposals based on technical merit, past performance, and mission alignment. His primary procurement focus centers on advanced aerospace engineering services, including propulsion system design, materials characterization, and hypersonic test infrastructure support. He routinely procures specialized services in thermal protection systems, additive manufacturing of metallic and ceramic composites, and flight control algorithm development, demonstrating deep familiarity with the technical domains critical to the Air Force’s propulsion modernization agenda.