Jeff Zweber

Dr. Jeff Zweber serves as a technical contracting lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PZL), overseeing the acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, and high-performance materials research. His role bridges scientific innovation with federal procurement, ensuring that cutting-edge R&D initiatives align with national defense priorities. He manages complex, mission-critical contracts for fundamental and applied research in propulsion systems, adaptive flight control, and functional materials, often involving multidisciplinary teams and long-term development cycles. Dr. Zweber’s acquisitions are strategically aligned with AFRL’s mandate to sustain U.S. air and space dominance through technological superiority. Dr. Zweber maintains consistent partnerships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These relationships are characterized by deep technical collaboration, with vendors providing specialized expertise in propulsion system design, hypersonic vehicle integration, and advanced composite manufacturing. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical feasibility assessments, and sustained engagement with industry leaders capable of delivering high-risk, high-reward solutions under stringent government oversight. Dr. Zweber’s procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a focus on technical excellence and mission urgency over socioeconomic preferences, prioritizing capability and readiness over size-based contracting mechanisms. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his portfolio, vendors of all sizes are evaluated strictly on technical merit, system readiness, and past performance in demanding aerospace environments. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—encompassing propulsion system prototyping, materials characterization, computational fluid dynamics, and high-temperature structural components. Dr. Zweber’s domain expertise lies in acquiring advanced propulsion technologies, including scramjets, hybrid rocket systems, and thermally stable composites, supporting next-generation air and space platforms.