Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson serves as the Astrophysics New Business Manager, responsible for identifying, evaluating, and procuring advanced space systems and specialized components to support national astrophysics missions. In this role, she leads the acquisition strategy for cutting-edge instrumentation and subsystems used in space-based observatories, satellite platforms, and mission-critical avionics. Her work bridges scientific requirements with industrial capabilities, ensuring that procurement processes align with technical rigor, mission timelines, and federal acquisition regulations. She typically manages complex, high-technology contracts for research and development, prototype development, and production-scale manufacturing of space-qualified hardware. Wilson’s contractor relationships are centered on defense and aerospace primes and specialized suppliers with proven expertise in space-grade electronics, propulsion subsystems, and precision optical systems. She collaborates closely with firms possessing Class I and II manufacturing certifications, particularly those with NASA or DoD space heritage. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical compliance, risk mitigation, and supply chain resilience, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors capable of meeting stringent environmental and performance standards for orbital operations. Her contracting activity is exclusively non-set-aside, with 100% of acquisitions conducted under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on technical capability over socioeconomic classifications, prioritizing mission-critical performance and system reliability above all other factors. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through set-asides, vendors of all sizes are evaluated on merit, innovation, and technical readiness. Wilson’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing) and 336419 (Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing). She procures advanced sensors, guidance systems, radiation-hardened electronics, cryogenic cooling units, and autonomous control subsystems essential for astrophysics missions. Her domain expertise spans space-based telescope instrumentation, interferometry payloads, and high-energy particle detection systems, requiring deep familiarity with space environmental qualifications and NASA technical standards.