Gary D Riley

Gary D. Riley serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s RDK division (FA9451), where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex research and development acquisitions to advance national security technologies. He manages the full lifecycle of contracts supporting cutting-edge work in directed energy, electro-optics, laser systems, and advanced instrumentation, ensuring alignment with the Air Force’s strategic imperatives for air dominance. His acquisitions typically involve scientific services, prototype development, and technical instrumentation procurement, requiring deep technical understanding and compliance with federal acquisition regulations for R&D programs. Riley works closely with a diverse array of defense contractors, research institutions, and specialized engineering firms capable of delivering high-technology solutions in physics and engineering sciences. His contracting patterns reflect collaboration with vendors possessing advanced capabilities in laser vulnerability analysis, optical sensor development, and ruggedized instrumentation design. He maintains a results-oriented, performance-based approach to vendor selection, prioritizing technical merit, past performance, and innovation capacity over price alone. Riley’s procurement portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of acquisitions conducted under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized nature of RDK’s mission, where only a limited pool of entities possesses the requisite expertise in directed energy and electro-optical systems. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, his team actively encourages qualified small businesses to compete through open solicitations and industry days. His primary focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—where he procures advanced scientific services, prototype testing, and specialized R&D labor. He consistently engages contractors with proven capabilities in laser system integration, high-energy physics modeling, and airborne sensor development, ensuring the Air Force maintains technological superiority in next-generation aerospace domains.