George H. Sarmiento

George Sarmiento, Jr. 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. He specializes in negotiating complex research and development contracts focused on next-generation propulsion systems, hypersonic flight technologies, and high-performance functional materials. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to accelerate the transition of cutting-edge engineering solutions from laboratory innovation to operational capability, ensuring timely and technically sound acquisition outcomes for mission-critical programs. Sarmiento maintains consistent, long-term relationships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These partnerships are characterized by deep technical collaboration, with contractors providing specialized expertise in propulsion system design, adaptive flight controls, and advanced composite materials. His negotiation approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical risk mitigation, and alignment with DoD acquisition regulations, fostering trust and reliability with prime contractors who deliver high-complexity, high-stakes R&D deliverables. Sarmiento’s contracting portfolio reflects a strict focus on full and open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside classifications. He does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, instead emphasizing technical merit and capability as the primary selection criteria. This approach aligns with the highly specialized nature of propulsion R&D, where only a limited pool of vendors possesses the required engineering depth and facility certifications. His primary procurement activity centers on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). He consistently acquires services involving computational fluid dynamics, materials characterization, propulsion system prototyping, and hypersonic wind tunnel testing. His domain expertise spans aerospace propulsion, thermal protection systems, and advanced manufacturing techniques for extreme-environment applications.