Michael Nowak

Michael Nowak serves as a Technical Advisor within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/RYW), providing critical technical oversight for advanced propulsion, hypersonics, and high-performance materials acquisitions. In this role, he bridges engineering expertise with procurement strategy, ensuring that contract requirements align with mission-critical R&D objectives. He primarily supports complex, science-driven solicitations for prototype development, materials characterization, and flight-tested propulsion systems, working closely with contracting officers to define technical performance parameters and evaluation criteria that prioritize innovation and technical feasibility over cost alone. Nowak maintains consistent collaboration with industry leaders including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, who deliver advanced propulsion components, computational modeling tools, and next-generation composite materials. His working relationships are characterized by deep technical engagement—often involving pre-solicitation outreach, technical interchange meetings, and post-award technical assessment—ensuring contractors meet stringent aerospace performance standards. These partnerships reflect a preference for established firms with proven capabilities in hypersonic systems and high-temperature material integration. His procurement portfolio exhibits no set-aside preferences, with 100% of acquisitions conducted under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven emphasis on technical superiority and rapid capability insertion over socioeconomic targeting, prioritizing the most qualified technical performers regardless of business size or certification status. Nowak’s primary focus lies in NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he procures advanced propulsion system prototypes, adaptive flight control algorithms, and functional materials such as ceramic matrix composites and thermal protection systems. His expertise centers on translating cutting-edge aerospace research into executable acquisition strategies that accelerate the transition from lab to flight.