Luke Johnston

Luke Johnston serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion and Power Division, supporting high-priority research and development initiatives for the U.S. Air Force. He manages acquisitions focused on advanced aerospace systems, including next-generation air-to-air refueling architectures, autonomous flight control technologies, space-based communication payloads, and immersive maintenance tools for flightline operations. His work directly enables the AFRL’s mission to deliver high-risk, high-reward innovations that transform operational capability. Johnston handles complex, non-commercial R&D contracts under FAR Part 35 and other specialized authorities, often coordinating with engineering teams to align technical requirements with acquisition strategy and performance-based outcomes. His contractor relationships are centered on elite defense technology firms and research institutions capable of executing cutting-edge engineering in propulsion, avionics, and autonomous systems. He routinely engages with prime contractors possessing deep domain expertise in aerospace systems integration, as well as specialized subcontractors in advanced materials, real-time simulation, and AI-driven decision support. His procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor, iterative prototyping, and agile contract modifications to accommodate evolving experimental requirements. Johnston’s portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations. While he does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, his contracting decisions are driven by technical capability and mission-critical performance rather than socioeconomic criteria, consistent with the AFRL’s focus on national security innovation. His primary procurement activity falls under NAICS 541715, focusing on research and development in physical and engineering sciences. He procures advanced prototypes, flight-test instrumentation, autonomous system software, and experimental propulsion hardware, requiring deep technical fluency in aerospace systems, propulsion dynamics, and digital twin methodologies. His expertise lies in bridging laboratory innovation with operational fielding through tailored R&D contracting vehicles.