Larry Mutschler

Larry Mutschler serves as an Engineer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PZL), where he plays a pivotal role in technical acquisition and systems integration for advanced aerospace propulsion and hypersonic technologies. His responsibilities include evaluating engineering proposals, defining technical requirements, and collaborating with contracting teams to ensure procurement actions align with mission-critical R&D objectives. Mutschler specializes in engineering services acquisitions that support the development of next-generation propulsion systems, adaptive flight control architectures, and high-performance functional materials essential to U.S. air and space dominance. He bridges technical expertise with acquisition strategy, ensuring that contract deliverables meet rigorous performance, durability, and operational readiness standards. Mutschler maintains consistent working relationships 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 primarily centered on specialized engineering services, materials innovation, and propulsion system prototyping. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term collaboration with vendors possessing deep domain expertise in hypersonics, combustion dynamics, and advanced manufacturing, fostering trusted technical alliances that enable rapid prototyping and field validation of experimental systems. Mutschler’s contracting activity is exclusively classified under “No Set-Aside,” reflecting a procurement strategy prioritizing technical capability and mission urgency over socioeconomic classifications. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his portfolio, this reflects the highly specialized nature of the engineering services required—where only a limited number of industry players possess the requisite clearance, facilities, and technical pedigree to support AFRL’s classified and cutting-edge programs. His procurement focus is entirely aligned with NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), encompassing research, design, analysis, and testing of propulsion components, thermal protection systems, and high-temperature materials. Mutschler’s technical domain expertise spans gas turbine systems, scramjet integration, additive manufacturing for aerospace components, and advanced composite material characterization, making him a key technical gatekeeper for high-risk, high-reward propulsion innovations.