Daniel L. Lauback

Daniel L. Lauback serves as Program Manager for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PZL), where he leads the strategic acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, and high-performance materials research. In this role, he oversees the full lifecycle of research and development contracts, ensuring alignment with national defense priorities to sustain U.S. air and space dominance. His acquisitions focus on fundamental and applied engineering research, technology transition, and prototyping of next-generation propulsion systems and adaptive flight control technologies, bridging laboratory innovation with operational readiness. Lauback maintains enduring partnerships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These relationships reflect a preference for established defense contractors with deep expertise in propulsion systems, composite materials, and systems integration. His procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and long-term collaboration to accelerate the maturation of high-risk, high-reward technologies critical to future airpower capabilities. Lauback’s contracting portfolio is exclusively non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven prioritization of technical capability and schedule criticality over socioeconomic preferences, ensuring access to the most qualified and experienced industry partners capable of delivering complex, classified, and time-sensitive R&D outcomes under stringent aerospace standards. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—with an emphasis on propulsion system design, hypersonic vehicle integration, thermal protection systems, and advanced polymer and ceramic matrix composites. Lauback’s expertise centers on securing cutting-edge engineering solutions that push the boundaries of flight performance, durability, and operational adaptability in extreme environments.