Michelle Goss

Michelle Goss serves as the primary contracting lead for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), overseeing the acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance materials critical to U.S. air and space dominance. She manages complex research and development contracts aligned with the agency’s mission to accelerate next-generation propulsion innovation, integrating adaptive flight control systems and novel functional materials through both basic and applied science initiatives. Her portfolio encompasses technical procurement across engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration, with a focus on mission-critical R&D that bridges laboratory innovation and operational deployment. Goss maintains consistent 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, composite materials, and high-temperature component manufacturing. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term technical collaboration, often involving cost-reimbursable and firm-fixed-price arrangements for prototype development, testing, and transition to operational platforms. These relationships are characterized by deep technical alignment and iterative contract performance to meet evolving mission requirements. Her procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 92.3% of awards issued under no set-aside, indicating a focus on technical capability over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is limited at 7.7%, it is strategically directed toward Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, ensuring qualified small firms contribute specialized capabilities without compromising mission-critical performance standards. Goss’s primary NAICS focus lies in 541715 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences), reflecting her leadership in advanced propulsion research, complemented by significant activity in 334517 (irradiation apparatus manufacturing) for materials testing and 562211 (hazardous waste treatment) for environmentally compliant process support. Her expertise spans high-temperature composites, propulsion system integration, and specialized manufacturing processes essential to hypersonic and jet propulsion platforms.