Mark Rowland

Mark Rowland serves as Innovation Hub Director for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Las Vegas office under FA8651, where he leads the identification, evaluation, and acceleration of high-risk, high-reward aerospace and defense technologies. In this role, he bridges cutting-edge research with practical acquisition pathways, facilitating rapid prototyping and transition of innovations in autonomy, hypersonics, infrared scene projection, and space vehicle systems. Rowland specializes in non-traditional procurement mechanisms, including Other Transaction Authorities and experimental contracting vehicles, to expedite the integration of novel solutions from non-traditional defense contractors and emerging tech firms. His primary contractor relationship is with Concurrent Real-Time, Inc., a leader in real-time simulation and embedded systems for defense applications. Rowland fosters strategic, long-term partnerships with vendors capable of delivering agile, software-intensive hardware systems and mission-critical testbeds, often engaging firms with expertise in rapid iteration, open architecture design, and secure embedded computing. His procurement approach emphasizes technical capability over legacy compliance, encouraging innovation through flexible contract structures and collaborative development environments. Rowland’s portfolio reflects a 100% non-set-aside contracting pattern, indicating a strong focus on technical merit and performance over socioeconomic classifications. While small business participation is not structurally prioritized in his acquisition strategy, he remains open to qualified small firms that demonstrate exceptional technical innovation, particularly in niche engineering domains. His procurement activity is concentrated under NAICS 339999 (All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing), reflecting a focus on specialized, low-volume, high-complexity systems such as sensor arrays, ruggedized computing platforms, and integrated test instrumentation. Rowland’s expertise lies in procuring advanced electro-optical, real-time simulation, and autonomous system components that support next-generation air and space dominance initiatives.