Mark Wade

Mark A. Wade serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he leads the acquisition of advanced aerospace technologies critical to U.S. air and space dominance. He manages complex research and development contracts focused on next-generation propulsion systems, hypersonic flight technologies, and high-performance functional materials, ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical innovations. His portfolio spans fundamental and applied R&D initiatives, requiring deep technical understanding of materials science, aerodynamics, and adaptive control systems. Wade plays a pivotal role in aligning procurement strategy with the AFRL’s mission to accelerate the transition of cutting-edge propulsion research from lab to field. Wade maintains consistent 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 reflect a focus on high-technical-capability vendors with proven expertise in propulsion system design, composite material development, and systems integration. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical risk mitigation, and long-term collaboration with industry partners capable of delivering complex, classified, and prototype-level solutions under tight developmental timelines. Wade’s acquisition portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of awards issued without set-aside designations. This reflects the specialized nature of the technologies procured, which require advanced engineering capabilities typically found only among large, established defense contractors with classified facility clearances and specialized infrastructure. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, his contracting actions remain compliant with all federal procurement regulations and emphasize value-driven outcomes over socioeconomic categorization. His primary NAICS focus areas include nanotechnology research (541713), physical and engineering sciences R&D (541715), and broader physical sciences research (541712). He procures advanced materials, propulsion subsystems, hypersonic test hardware, and computational modeling services, demonstrating deep expertise in aerospace systems development and high-temperature material innovation.