Justin D. Buschagen

Justin D. Buschagen serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he leads the acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance materials critical to maintaining U.S. air and space dominance. His portfolio encompasses complex research and development contracts aligned with the Department of the Air Force’s strategic modernization priorities, including adaptive flight control systems, combustion dynamics, and next-generation thermal protection materials. Buschagen manages full lifecycle procurements—from solicitation through contract closeout—ensuring technical compliance, risk mitigation, and alignment with national defense innovation goals. He maintains consistent, long-term relationships with industry leaders including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, all of which provide specialized engineering, prototyping, and materials development services. These partnerships are characterized by deep technical collaboration, iterative prototyping support, and sustained R&D engagement, reflecting a preference for established contractors with proven expertise in propulsion systems and advanced manufacturing. Buschagen’s contracting activity is exclusively classified under “No Set-Aside,” indicating a focus on mission-critical capabilities that require specialized technical qualifications not typically available within the small business base. While socioeconomic set-asides are not utilized, his approach prioritizes technical excellence and mission readiness over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with the high-stakes nature of propulsion and hypersonics R&D. His procurement activity is concentrated entirely under NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—reflecting a narrow, deep specialization in fundamental and applied aerospace engineering. He routinely procures advanced computational modeling, materials characterization, propulsion test validation, and integrated system demonstrations, supporting the Air Force’s transition from laboratory innovation to operational capability.