Hanna Flatow

Hanna Flatow serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where she manages complex research and development acquisitions critical to advancing U.S. space dominance. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of high-tech contracts supporting next-generation propulsion systems, resilient space computing architectures, and autonomous satellite instrumentation. She plays a central role in translating the division’s strategic R&D priorities into actionable procurement pathways, ensuring timely delivery of cutting-edge technologies that enhance space domain awareness and secure satellite communications. Her acquisitions are predominantly early-to-mid-stage prototypes and foundational science efforts requiring agile contracting methods and technical collaboration with innovative vendors. Flatow’s contractor relationships are centered on leading aerospace defense primes, specialized research institutions, and advanced technology startups with proven expertise in rocket propulsion, hypersonics, and space-based sensor systems. She fosters collaborative partnerships with firms capable of rapid prototyping and iterative development under tight technical and schedule constraints. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her engagements consistently involve entities with deep domain knowledge in propulsion physics, high-temperature materials, and space-qualified electronics, often requiring non-traditional contracting approaches to accelerate innovation. Flatow’s procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations. This reflects the highly technical, mission-critical nature of the work, where specialized capabilities and national security imperatives often necessitate broad, unrestricted competition among the most qualified technical performers. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, she remains open to qualified small businesses demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency in niche propulsion and space systems domains. Her primary focus lies in NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where she procures advanced propulsion subsystems, autonomous guidance algorithms, high-fidelity test instrumentation, and space-hardened computing platforms. Her technical expertise spans rocket engine combustion dynamics, thermal management systems, and space-based data processing architectures, making her a pivotal contact for firms engaged in foundational aerospace R&D.