Douglas Kustra

Douglas Kustra serves as a key procurement lead at NASA Glenn Research Center, supporting the agency’s mission to advance next-generation aerospace propulsion, power systems, and extreme-environment technologies. He manages a portfolio of construction-related acquisitions critical to enabling mission-critical infrastructure, including specialized facilities for thermal testing, propulsion research, and fission surface power development. His procurement activities are aligned with NASA’s strategic goals in aerospace innovation, ensuring that physical infrastructure meets the rigorous demands of high-temperature, low-gravity, and vacuum-compatible research environments. Kustra primarily handles architect-engineer services and commercial building construction contracts under the NAICS 236220 category, facilitating the design and build of mission-support facilities that house advanced aerospace instrumentation and fluid systems. Kustra maintains long-standing relationships with a focused group of contractors, including Troy Sierra JV LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and Electronic Fluorocarbons, LLC, all of which have demonstrated expertise in delivering high-integrity, technically complex construction and facility systems. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and technical compliance, favoring vendors with proven experience in aerospace-grade construction standards and clean-room or hazardous-environment facility build-outs. These partnerships are characterized by repeat engagements and a strong emphasis on technical alignment rather than broad competition. Kustra’s procurement strategy reflects no set-aside preferences, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This indicates a focus on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic classifications, prioritizing the selection of contractors based on demonstrated expertise in aerospace infrastructure rather than certification status. His primary industry focus is commercial and institutional building construction (NAICS 236220), with an emphasis on specialized facilities supporting extreme-environment research. He procures services for structural systems, thermal management infrastructure, fluid handling systems, and instrumentation enclosures tailored to NASA’s unique propulsion and power technology development needs.