Marina Hobson

Marina Hobson serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA8651 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Rwk, supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to advance cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies through foundational research and development. She manages the full lifecycle of complex R&D acquisitions, from solicitation and evaluation to contract award and administration, with a focus on high-risk, high-reward scientific and engineering projects. Her portfolio emphasizes technical innovation in autonomy systems, guided missile technologies, space vehicle components, and infrared scene projection, ensuring alignment with AFRL’s strategic priorities in air, space, and hypersonic dominance. Marina maintains a consistent working relationship with Concurrent Real-Time, Inc., a key contractor delivering advanced real-time simulation and embedded systems solutions. Her procurement approach favors established technical partners with proven expertise in aerospace engineering and mission-critical software integration, often engaging vendors capable of rapid prototyping and classified development environments. She fosters collaborative, performance-based contracting models that prioritize technical rigor, schedule adherence, and innovation delivery over traditional fixed-price structures. Marina’s contracting activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of her awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a deliberate emphasis on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with AFRL’s need for specialized, niche capabilities that are often available only through highly qualified large and mid-tier firms with advanced security clearances and classified facility access. Her primary NAICS focus areas include 541712 for physical and engineering R&D, 336413 for aircraft subsystems and auxiliary equipment, and 334515 for precision instrumentation in electrical signal testing. She routinely procures advanced sensors, real-time data acquisition systems, hypersonic test hardware, and mission-specific simulation environments, demonstrating deep domain expertise in aerospace systems engineering and defense science procurement.