Kendall R. Wagner

Kendall Wagner serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s FA8651 division, where they manage the acquisition of high-risk, high-reward research and development contracts critical to national aerospace and defense superiority. Responsible for executing full lifecycle procurement actions, Wagner ensures alignment between scientific innovation and mission-critical requirements in autonomy, hypersonics, guided missile systems, and infrared scene projection. Their work directly supports the Department of the Air Force’s strategic imperative to maintain technological dominance through foundational R&D, frequently engaging in complex, performance-based solicitations under FAR Part 35 and Other Transaction Authority mechanisms to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies from lab to field. Wagner maintains a consistent working relationship with Concurrent Real-Time, Inc., a key contractor specializing in real-time simulation, embedded systems, and high-fidelity modeling environments for defense applications. This partnership reflects a pattern of sustained collaboration with technically specialized vendors capable of delivering rapid prototyping, software-defined instrumentation, and mission-critical firmware solutions. The relationship is characterized by iterative engagement, technical co-development, and a focus on agile delivery frameworks suited to fast-moving R&D environments. Wagner’s procurement portfolio exhibits a 100% preference for non-set-aside contracts, indicating a primary emphasis on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic classifications. While small business participation is not formally prioritized, vendors are selected based on proven expertise in advanced engineering domains, ensuring that the most capable performers—regardless of size—deliver on mission-critical objectives. The agency’s sole NAICS focus, 541712, underscores Wagner’s specialization in physical and engineering sciences R&D. They procure advanced simulation systems, autonomous control algorithms, hypersonic test instrumentation, and infrared countermeasure technologies, working closely with firms possessing deep domain expertise in aerospace systems, computational physics, and real-time embedded software. Their procurement strategy prioritizes technical innovation over commercial off-the-shelf solutions, reflecting a mission-driven approach to national security science.