Kathleen Dunn

Kay Dunn serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where she manages the acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance materials critical to U.S. air and space dominance. Her role encompasses full lifecycle contract administration—from market research and solicitation development to award and performance oversight—ensuring alignment with national defense priorities and federal acquisition regulations. She specializes in complex R&D procurements requiring technical rigor, rapid innovation cycles, and seamless integration of cutting-edge engineering solutions into operational platforms. Kay routinely collaborates with leading aerospace and defense contractors including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These partnerships are characterized by deep technical engagement, long-term contract performance, and iterative development of proprietary propulsion components, adaptive flight control systems, and advanced composite materials. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical feasibility assessments, and risk-mitigated contracting strategies tailored to high-stakes, mission-critical research environments. Kay’s contracting portfolio is exclusively focused on non-set-aside acquisitions, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. While small business participation is not structurally mandated, her process ensures fair access through transparent solicitation practices and robust market engagement, fostering an environment where capabilities—not socioeconomic status—drive award decisions. Her primary procurement focus is NAICS 541712, encompassing research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. She specializes in acquiring advanced propulsion systems, hypersonic test hardware, functional materials, and computational modeling services, requiring deep domain expertise in aerodynamics, thermal management, and materials science. Her work directly supports the development of next-generation air-breathing and rocket propulsion architectures essential to future combat air systems.