Natasha Bitsoi

Natasha Bitsoi serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where she plays a critical role in executing complex research and development acquisitions to advance next-generation space and aerospace technologies. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts supporting foundational innovation in resilient computing architectures, high-performance instrumentation, and autonomous space systems. Her work directly enables the agency’s mission to maintain U.S. dominance in space domain awareness and satellite communications through rapid prototyping and cutting-edge engineering solutions. Bitsoi primarily handles non-commercial, cost-reimbursement and fixed-price research contracts under FAR Part 35 and DFARS, often involving classified or sensitive technical requirements. Bitsoi collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors, research institutions, and advanced technology firms specializing in aerospace propulsion, space systems engineering, and high-fidelity simulation. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms possessing deep expertise in rocket propulsion systems, hypersonics, and space-qualified electronics. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and compliance with stringent DoD security and data integrity standards, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors capable of delivering high-risk, high-reward R&D solutions. Bitsoi’s contracting activity reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions classified as “No Set-Aside.” This indicates a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with the specialized nature of AFRL’s mission-critical work. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through set-asides, she ensures equitable access for all qualified offerors, including small businesses that meet the rigorous technical and security thresholds required for space systems development. Her primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—reflecting her specialization in advanced aerospace R&D. She procures services including propulsion system design, computational fluid dynamics modeling, materials testing, and autonomous guidance algorithms, supporting projects that bridge laboratory innovation with operational space capabilities. Her expertise lies in managing high-complexity, technology-transition contracts for next-generation space propulsion and sensor systems.