James "Matthew" Dray

Matt Dray serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate, overseeing acquisitions that drive the development of next-generation aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials. He manages complex research and development contracts aligned with the agency’s mission to sustain U.S. air and space dominance through advanced engineering innovation. His portfolio centers on fundamental and applied R&D initiatives requiring deep technical expertise in propulsion dynamics, adaptive flight control, and advanced materials integration, often involving multi-year, high-risk projects with stringent performance and certification requirements. Dray maintains consistent partnerships with industry leaders such as UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, each of which brings specialized capabilities in propulsion system design, computational modeling, flight systems integration, and composite material fabrication. These relationships are characterized by long-term collaboration on classified and unclassified R&D efforts, with contractors frequently engaged through competitive sealed bidding and other FAR-compliant acquisition pathways. His approach emphasizes technical excellence, risk mitigation, and performance-based contracting to ensure mission-critical outcomes. Dray’s procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a strategic focus on selecting the most technically capable vendors regardless of size or socioeconomic designation, prioritizing mission readiness over socioeconomic targeting. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his awards, the nature of the work often involves subcontracting arrangements that naturally engage specialized niche firms. His primary procurement activity is concentrated under NAICS 541715, reflecting an exclusive focus on research and development in physical and engineering sciences. He procures advanced propulsion test hardware, hypersonic wind tunnel components, thermal protection systems, and high-temperature composite materials, requiring deep domain expertise in aerospace engineering, materials science, and systems integration.