Michael J. Wafzig

Michael Wafzig serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he plays a pivotal role in securing critical research and development capabilities to advance U.S. air and space propulsion systems. He manages complex acquisition programs spanning hypersonics, adaptive flight control, and high-performance materials, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while aligning contract outcomes with the agency’s mission to sustain technological dominance. His work primarily involves negotiating and administering cost-reimbursement and fixed-price contracts for scientific and engineering services, with a focus on early-stage innovation and transition-ready technologies. Wafzig maintains longstanding relationships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, partnering with firms possessing deep expertise in propulsion systems, composite materials, and aerospace systems integration. These contractor relationships are characterized by sustained collaboration on multi-year R&D efforts, often involving technical interchange, prototype development, and rapid prototyping initiatives under broad agency announcements or other non-traditional acquisition pathways. His procurement portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions, indicating a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through set-asides, he actively engages qualified small firms through subcontracting opportunities and teaming arrangements within larger contracts. The majority of his acquisitions fall under NAICS 541712 and 541715, reflecting a concentrated focus on physical and engineering sciences research—particularly in propulsion physics, thermal management systems, and advanced material characterization. His expertise lies in procuring specialized services such as computational fluid dynamics modeling, materials testing, and propulsion system validation, supporting the development of next-generation aerospace platforms.