Kenneth McIntosh

Kenneth McIntosh serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s R&GK division, overseeing the acquisition of mission-critical software, data analytics platforms, and advanced computing infrastructure to support next-generation battlespace awareness and intelligence fusion. His role centers on executing complex technical procurements aligned with the Department of the Air Force’s strategic imperatives in aerospace systems and command and control modernization. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts spanning software development, systems integration, and specialized hardware, ensuring alignment with DoD digital transformation goals and secure, scalable computing environments. McIntosh maintains a consistent working relationship with COLLABORATION.AI, LLC, a Minneapolis-based firm recognized for its expertise in AI-driven decision support systems and mission-critical software platforms. His contracting approach emphasizes collaborative partnerships with vendors capable of rapid prototyping, agile development, and secure deployment of proprietary and commercial-off-the-shelf solutions. He prioritizes vendors with proven experience in defense-grade software engineering, data interoperability, and real-time analytics, fostering long-term relationships with contractors who can meet stringent DoD cybersecurity and performance standards. His procurement strategy reflects a balanced approach to socioeconomic goals, with 75% of acquisitions conducted under full and open competition and 25% reserved for total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While he does not prioritize specific socioeconomic categories such as 8(a) or HUBZone, his consistent use of small business set-asides demonstrates a deliberate commitment to expanding the defense industrial base and enabling innovation from agile, non-traditional vendors. McIntosh’s primary NAICS focus areas include software publishing, computer facilities management services, industrial process control instrumentation, and military armored vehicle component manufacturing. He procures advanced software platforms for data fusion, secure cloud-based computing environments, embedded systems for tactical applications, and specialized instrumentation for real-time battlefield monitoring, reflecting deep technical expertise in both commercial IT and defense-specific hardware-software integration.