David Hartline

David Hartline serves as Program Manager for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s FA8651 Rwk, where he leads the strategic planning and execution of high-risk, high-reward research and development acquisitions in aerospace and defense technologies. Responsible for translating national security imperatives into technically rigorous procurement strategies, he oversees contracts that advance next-generation air, space, and hypersonic systems. His portfolio centers on foundational engineering research, with a focus on autonomy, guided missile technologies, infrared scene projection, and ethical AI integration. Hartline ensures alignment between scientific innovation and operational capability, acting as the critical bridge between government research objectives and industry execution. His primary contractor relationship is with Concurrent Real-Time, Inc., a trusted partner in real-time simulation, embedded systems, and high-fidelity modeling environments critical to flight and hypersonic test validation. Hartline consistently engages with specialized technology firms capable of delivering complex, non-commercial solutions requiring deep domain expertise in physics-based simulation, sensor fusion, and closed-loop control systems. His contracting approach emphasizes technical excellence over cost alone, fostering long-term, mission-critical partnerships with vendors who can meet stringent performance and security requirements. Hartline’s acquisition portfolio exhibits no set-aside preferences, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the R&D work, where only a limited pool of vendors possesses the requisite technical capabilities, security clearances, and experimental infrastructure. While small business participation is not formally prioritized, his selections are driven by technical merit and mission necessity rather than socioeconomic criteria. His procurement activity is exclusively focused on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. He procures advanced engineering services including computational modeling, autonomous system prototyping, sensor development, and real-time data fusion architectures, targeting firms with proven expertise in aerospace systems engineering, hypersonics, and directed energy technologies.