Dr. Douglas P. Meador

Dr. Douglas P. Meador serves as a Senior Plans and Programs Engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Aerospace Systems Directorate (FA8652), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing research and development acquisition strategies aligned with national defense priorities. Responsible for defining technical requirements, evaluating proposal technical merit, and guiding contract execution, Dr. Meador ensures that funded initiatives advance cutting-edge capabilities in aerospace systems, artificial intelligence, autonomous platforms, and secure communications. His work directly supports the transition of laboratory innovations into operational military systems, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and fielded capability through structured, performance-based acquisitions. Dr. Meador maintains a consistent working relationship with Engineering Resource Group Inc., a key contractor providing specialized engineering analysis, systems integration, and technical advisory services across multiple AFRL programs. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for long-term, mission-critical partnerships with firms demonstrating deep domain expertise in physical sciences and advanced engineering. These relationships are typically established through competitive sealed bidding or other full and open procurement mechanisms, emphasizing technical excellence and programmatic alignment over socioeconomic preferences. Dr. Meador’s contracting portfolio is exclusively structured under full and open competition, with no set-asides applied to his acquisitions. This reflects a strategic emphasis on accessing the broadest possible pool of technical talent and innovation, prioritizing capability and performance over socioeconomic classifications. His approach underscores AFRL’s mission to accelerate technology transition through unencumbered access to the most qualified providers, regardless of business size or certification status. His primary procurement focus is concentrated under NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—encompassing advanced materials, sensor systems, hypersonics, and AI-driven decision architectures. He routinely oversees contracts for prototype development, computational modeling, flight test support, and systems engineering services, requiring deep technical acumen and familiarity with DoD acquisition regulations and R&D lifecycle management.