Kevin D Riley

Kevin D. Riley serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he manages complex acquisition programs supporting advanced aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, and high-performance materials research. His role is central to accelerating the transition of cutting-edge technologies from laboratory innovation to operational capability, overseeing full lifecycle contracts for research, development, testing, and evaluation of next-generation propulsion systems and adaptive flight control technologies. Riley specializes in cost-reimbursement and other transactional agreements with research institutions and defense contractors, ensuring alignment with Air Force strategic priorities in air and space dominance. He maintains enduring relationships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, partnering primarily with Tier 1 aerospace and defense contractors with proven expertise in propulsion systems, composite materials, and systems integration. His contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and collaboration with vendors possessing deep domain knowledge in high-temperature materials, combustor design, and hypersonic aerodynamics. Riley’s procurement portfolio reflects a 100% no set-aside preference, indicating a strategic focus on mission-critical capabilities requiring specialized technical expertise that is currently concentrated among large, established defense contractors with the infrastructure to support classified, high-risk R&D environments. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through socioeconomic set-asides, his acquisitions remain open to all qualified offerors under full and open competition. His technical domain centers on propulsion systems, advanced materials, and flight control technologies, with acquisitions frequently falling under NAICS categories related to aerospace product and parts manufacturing and scientific R&D services. Riley’s expertise lies in procuring highly specialized engineering services, prototype development, and materials testing for extreme-environment applications, ensuring the U.S. maintains technological superiority in air and space propulsion systems.