Monsi Roman

Monserrate Roman serves as Program Manager for the Centennial Challenges, a competitive prize program designed to stimulate innovation in aerospace, engineering, and advanced technology domains. In this role, she drives the design and execution of procurement strategies that leverage public-private partnerships to solve high-priority technical challenges facing the nation’s space and science missions. Her acquisitions focus on soliciting novel solutions from diverse innovators, including startups, research institutions, and engineering firms, often through non-traditional contracting mechanisms such as prize competitions and challenge-based solicitations. She plays a pivotal role in translating technical objectives into structured procurement frameworks that prioritize performance outcomes over prescriptive deliverables. While no specific contractor relationships are currently identifiable due to the nature of challenge-based procurement, Monserrate’s program engages a broad spectrum of vendors—from established aerospace contractors to emerging technology developers—through open, merit-based competitions. Her approach emphasizes performance-driven outcomes rather than vendor loyalty, fostering dynamic partnerships with entities capable of delivering innovative, high-risk solutions. The procurement model encourages participation from non-traditional federal contractors, including academic labs and independent inventors, creating a fluid ecosystem of innovation. Monserrate’s contracting activity reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of awards issued under non-set-aside authorities. This underscores a commitment to accessibility and merit-based selection, ensuring that any qualified entity—regardless of size or socioeconomic designation—can compete on equal footing. While small business participation is not mandated through set-asides, the structure of Centennial Challenges inherently lowers barriers to entry for small firms and individual innovators. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541715 and 541611, reflecting deep engagement in physical and engineering research and development, as well as management consulting services supporting technical program execution. She routinely procures R&D services in propulsion systems, autonomous systems, materials science, and mission architecture design, demonstrating expertise in advanced aerospace and systems engineering domains.