Jim Dinwoody

Jim Dinwoody serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he manages complex acquisitions supporting next-generation aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, and high-performance materials research. His portfolio centers on advanced engineering services and mission-critical R&D contracts that accelerate the transition of laboratory innovations into operational air and space systems. Dinwoody oversees the full acquisition lifecycle—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal regulations while fostering innovation in technically demanding domains. He maintains strategic relationships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, partnering with firms capable of delivering specialized propulsion systems, flight control technologies, and advanced composite materials. His contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and long-term vendor collaboration to meet the unique demands of classified and high-risk propulsion programs. Dinwoody demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity, with nearly 57% of his awards structured as set-asides for 8(a) firms and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). His consistent use of these authorities reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate a robust small business industrial base capable of supporting cutting-edge defense innovation. He actively engages with small business advocates and leverages mentor-protégé programs to build capacity among emerging defense contractors. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) and 541712/541715 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences), reflecting deep expertise in acquiring advanced materials research, propulsion system development, and flight simulation services. He routinely procures technical services spanning computational fluid dynamics, materials characterization, and hypersonic testbed integration, ensuring the Air Force maintains technological superiority in next-generation airpower.