Dalila Burton

Dalila Burton serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions that support next-generation space systems, resilient computing architectures, and high-performance instrumentation. Her work directly enables the division’s mission to accelerate innovation in space domain awareness, satellite communications, and autonomous space operations through foundational research and rapid prototyping. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts spanning technical services, specialized equipment, and mission-critical software solutions, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurements with strategic Air Force technology roadmaps. While specific contractor names are not publicly identifiable in current data, Burton maintains collaborative relationships with a broad spectrum of vendors, including defense technology providers, research institutions, and advanced manufacturing firms. Her procurement approach emphasizes agility and technical rigor, often engaging firms with proven expertise in aerospace systems integration, data analytics, and space-qualified hardware development. She fosters long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance accountability and innovation readiness, ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities. Burton demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 60% of her acquisitions designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. She consistently prioritizes small business participation, aligning with Department of the Air Force goals to expand opportunities for 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB firms. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to cultivate a diverse supplier base capable of supporting high-risk, high-reward R&D initiatives. Her primary NAICS focus areas include 511210 (Software Publishers), reflecting demand for mission-specific applications and data processing tools, and 337214 (Office Furniture Manufacturing), indicating procurement of specialized laboratory and control room furnishings. Notably, the inclusion of 812320 (Drycleaning and Laundry Services) suggests ancillary support contracts for facility operations, underscoring the breadth of her portfolio beyond core aerospace systems.