Kyle Braunlich

Kyle Braunlich serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s FA8750 RIK office, where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex research and development acquisitions that advance next-generation aerospace and defense technologies. He manages the full lifecycle of contracts for high-priority scientific initiatives, including autonomous systems, resilient communications, AI-enabled battle-space awareness, and quantum-enabled sensing. His portfolio emphasizes foundational R&D in physical and engineering sciences, ensuring alignment with the Department of the Air Force’s strategic imperatives for technological superiority. Braunlich specializes in negotiating and administering both basic and applied research contracts under FAR and DFARS frameworks, often supporting rapid prototyping and experimental development efforts. He maintains established relationships with leading defense and technology contractors including Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Eaton Corporation, Technergetics, LLC, and Caelight, Inc., reflecting a preference for industry partners with proven expertise in advanced electronics, optical systems, and mission-critical instrumentation. His contracting approach prioritizes technical credibility and innovation capacity, fostering long-term partnerships with firms capable of delivering high-risk, high-reward solutions under tight developmental timelines. Braunlich’s procurement activity is exclusively non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven focus on selecting the most technically capable vendors regardless of socioeconomic status, consistent with the laboratory’s need for rapid access to cutting-edge capabilities in classified and sensitive domains. His primary NAICS focus areas include 334220 for wireless communications equipment, 541715 for physical and engineering R&D, 334418 for printed circuit assembly, and 334515 for test and measurement instrumentation. These reflect deep specialization in hardware-intensive, science-driven acquisitions supporting autonomous platforms, RF systems, and quantum-enabled sensors critical to future air dominance.