Mike Wafzig

Michael J. Wafzig serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), overseeing complex acquisitions in aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, and advanced materials research. He plays a critical role in executing the agency’s mission to accelerate next-generation air and space dominance through rapid technology transition, managing contracts for fundamental and applied R&D that bridge laboratory innovation with operational capability. His portfolio primarily includes high-technology research services, engineering analysis, and specialized materials development, often requiring stringent technical compliance and classified collaboration protocols. Wafzig maintains long-standing partnerships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit AeroSystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, reflecting a preference for established defense aerospace contractors with proven expertise in propulsion systems, computational fluid dynamics, and high-temperature composite fabrication. His contracting patterns emphasize performance-based outcomes, technical innovation, and seamless integration of contractor-developed solutions into Air Force test and evaluation programs, fostering deep, mission-critical vendor relationships built on technical credibility and delivery reliability. Wafzig’s acquisition strategy shows no reliance on socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized, non-commoditized nature of the work and the need for immediate access to niche technical capabilities that are typically only available from large, established defense contractors with advanced facilities and security clearances. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 511210 (Software Publishers), supporting advanced simulation and modeling tools for propulsion systems, complemented by NAICS 541712 for physical and engineering R&D, and NAICS 541519 for specialized computational services. These categories underscore his domain expertise in hypersonic flow modeling, adaptive control algorithms, and next-generation thermal protection materials, aligning closely with the Air Force’s strategic priorities in propulsion innovation and aerospace systems modernization.