Dustin Tatum

Dustin Tatum serves as a Contract Negotiator within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he plays a pivotal role in securing advanced aerospace technologies critical to U.S. air and space dominance. Responsible for negotiating complex technical and commercial terms on research and development contracts, Tatum supports the agency’s mission to accelerate next-generation propulsion systems, hypersonic flight technologies, and high-performance materials. His acquisitions primarily involve fundamental and applied R&D in propulsion engineering, adaptive flight control, and advanced functional materials, often requiring specialized technical expertise and rigorous performance-based contract structures. Tatum maintains consistent working relationships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These partnerships are characterized by long-term, mission-critical collaboration on high-complexity R&D initiatives, often involving proprietary technologies and classified performance requirements. His negotiation approach emphasizes technical alignment, risk mitigation, and delivery of scalable innovation, fostering trust with industry partners capable of meeting the unique demands of military propulsion systems. Tatum’s contracting portfolio reflects a strict focus on open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside preferences. This underscores a procurement strategy prioritizing technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic classifications, ensuring access to the most qualified entities regardless of business size or certification status. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—encompassing advanced materials synthesis, propulsion system prototyping, computational fluid dynamics modeling, and hypersonic component testing. Tatum’s expertise lies in securing cutting-edge engineering services and experimental development contracts that bridge laboratory innovation with operational aerospace systems.