Garrentt Baca

Garrentt Baca serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where he plays a critical role in executing complex research and development acquisitions that support next-generation space and aerospace systems. His responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of sole-source and competitive procurements for advanced propulsion technologies, resilient computing architectures, and high-performance instrumentation. Baca ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while accelerating innovation through rapid prototyping pathways, directly enabling the division’s mission to maintain U.S. dominance in space domain awareness and autonomous space operations. Baca collaborates with a diverse array of defense contractors, research institutions, and advanced technology firms specializing in rocket propulsion, space systems engineering, and high-fidelity simulation tools. He cultivates strategic partnerships with entities capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions in propulsion chemistry, hypersonics, and space-based sensor integration. His contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and close coordination with government engineers to align procurement strategy with mission-critical R&D objectives. Baca’s acquisition portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his awards issued under non-set-aside authorities. While he does not routinely utilize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, his focus remains on securing the highest technical capability to meet urgent national security requirements in space systems development. His primary procurement focus is centered on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he routinely procures advanced propulsion testing services, computational modeling tools, and experimental hardware for space-based applications. His technical expertise spans rocket motor design, propellant formulation, thermal management systems, and autonomous guidance technologies, making him a key enabler of the Air Force’s next-generation space propulsion initiatives.