Heather Miller

Heather Miller supports the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453) in advancing critical space and aerospace technologies through strategic procurement of research, development, and high-performance systems. While her formal title is not publicly listed, her role centers on managing complex acquisition programs that bridge foundational science and rapid prototyping, ensuring the timely delivery of next-generation space systems, resilient computing architectures, and advanced instrumentation for space domain awareness and autonomous satellite operations. She handles a diverse portfolio of contracts spanning hardware development, software-enabled systems, and engineering services, aligning acquisitions with the Air Force’s strategic imperative to maintain technological superiority in contested space environments. Miller cultivates partnerships with a broad spectrum of vendors, including universities, research institutions, and specialized aerospace manufacturers. Her contracting patterns reflect collaboration with academic entities engaged in applied physics and computational modeling, as well as small businesses delivering embedded systems, compression technologies, and high-fidelity simulation tools. She fosters long-term vendor relationships built on technical agility and compliance with DoD acquisition frameworks, prioritizing innovation and rapid iteration over traditional procurement cycles. Her procurement strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with over half of her acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate effort to engage diverse, agile suppliers capable of delivering specialized capabilities in computing, instrumentation, and propulsion subsystems. While no specific socio-economic set-asides are dominant, her consistent use of small business set-asides underscores a strategic alignment with federal goals to broaden the defense industrial base. Miller’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334111 (electronic computer manufacturing) and 611310 (higher education research), with significant activity in 541715 (physical sciences R&D) and 333912 (air and gas compressor manufacturing). She procures advanced computing hardware, test instrumentation, propulsion control systems, and computational research services—supporting missions in space communications, hypersonics, and autonomous orbital operations. Her technical expertise spans systems integration, embedded firmware, and high-reliability avionics, positioning her at the intersection of defense innovation and commercial technology adoption.