David Romo-Garza

David Romo-Garza serves as a Contracting Officer for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s RDK division (FA9451), where he leads the acquisition of advanced research and development services critical to national aerospace superiority. In this role, he manages the full lifecycle of contracts supporting cutting-edge innovations in directed energy, electro-optics, laser systems, and advanced instrumentation. His procurement activities are aligned with the RDK mission to accelerate next-generation technologies for air dominance, ensuring timely and compliant delivery of high-priority R&D capabilities to meet urgent warfighter needs. He routinely handles complex, performance-based solicitations under FAR Part 35 and other specialized authorities governing government-funded scientific research. Romo-Garza collaborates with a diverse range of research institutions, defense contractors, and academic partners specializing in physical and engineering sciences. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his working relationships are characterized by deep technical engagement with firms possessing proven expertise in laser vulnerability analysis, high-energy beam control, and sensor development. He fosters collaborative procurement environments that encourage innovation, rigorous technical evaluation, and agile contract execution to support rapid prototyping and field validation cycles. His contracting approach reflects a strong preference for unrestricted competition, with 100% of his acquisitions conducted under non-set-aside authorities. This underscores a mission-driven focus on securing the most technically capable solutions regardless of vendor size, prioritizing capability over socioeconomic classification. While he does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, he remains compliant with all applicable small business goals and may incorporate small business subcontracting requirements where strategically appropriate. Romo-Garza’s procurement focus is exclusively centered on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). He procures specialized services including experimental laser testing, optical system modeling, materials characterization, and advanced instrumentation design, all tailored to support classified and unclassified AFRL RDK programs. His technical acumen ensures contracts are structured to meet stringent performance metrics in high-stakes aerospace R&D domains.