Michael Cramer

Michael Q. Cramer serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), responsible for managing complex research and development acquisitions critical to U.S. air and space dominance. He oversees the procurement of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials, ensuring alignment with national defense priorities and technical innovation timelines. His portfolio consists primarily of fundamental and applied R&D contracts that bridge laboratory breakthroughs with operational capability, requiring deep technical understanding and agile contracting approaches to support rapid prototyping and transition efforts. Cramer 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 are characterized by long-term, performance-based engagements focused on cutting-edge propulsion systems, adaptive flight controls, and next-generation composite materials. His contracting approach emphasizes technical collaboration, milestone-driven deliverables, and rigorous performance metrics, fostering a high-trust environment between government and industry to accelerate innovation cycles. Cramer’s acquisition portfolio reflects a 100% no set-aside preference, indicating a focus on full and open competition for mission-critical capabilities requiring specialized technical expertise and large-scale engineering infrastructure. While small business participation is not mandated through socioeconomic set-asides, he actively encourages collaboration through teaming arrangements and subcontracting opportunities within prime contracts, ensuring broader industry engagement without compromising technical rigor. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he procures advanced propulsion technologies, hypersonic vehicle components, thermal protection systems, and high-temperature materials. His expertise lies in managing complex, multi-year R&D contracts requiring deep domain knowledge in aerospace engineering, materials science, and systems integration to support the Air Force’s next-generation propulsion roadmap.