James Christensen

Dr. James Christensen serves as a technical contracting lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PZL), where he oversees the acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials. His role centers on translating complex scientific research into mission-critical procurement actions that accelerate the transition of laboratory innovations into operational air and space platforms. He manages prime contract vehicles for fundamental and applied R&D in propulsion physics, adaptive flight control, and next-generation thermal management systems, ensuring alignment with Air Force strategic priorities for air dominance and rapid capability fielding. Dr. Christensen maintains enduring partnerships with industry leaders including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These relationships are characterized by long-term, technically intensive collaborations on classified and unclassified R&D efforts, often involving prototype development, materials characterization, and system integration under cost-plus and fixed-price incentive contracts. His procurement approach emphasizes technical merit, innovation readiness, and risk mitigation through sustained vendor engagement and iterative contract modifications. Dr. Christensen’s contracting portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on accessing the highest-capability industrial base for mission-critical propulsion technologies, where specialized expertise and infrastructure outweigh socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through set-asides, he actively encourages teaming arrangements that integrate qualified small firms as subcontractors within larger prime contracts. His primary procurement focus is centered on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he acquires advanced propulsion modeling, hypersonic aerothermodynamics, ceramic matrix composites, and additive manufacturing of turbine components. His technical domain expertise spans jet engine performance optimization, scramjet integration, and high-temperature material survivability, making him a key gatekeeper for next-generation propulsion innovation across the Department of the Air Force.