Peter G. Nicasio

Peter Nicasio serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where he leads the acquisition of advanced aerospace and space systems technologies critical to U.S. dominance in space domain awareness and autonomous operations. He manages complex research and development contracts focused on next-generation propulsion systems, resilient computing architectures, and high-performance instrumentation for space-based platforms. His procurement activities directly support the agency’s mission to accelerate innovation through foundational research and rapid prototyping, ensuring the Department of the Air Force maintains technological superiority in space-enabled capabilities. Nicasio collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors, academic research institutions, and technology innovators specializing in aerospace engineering and systems integration. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he routinely engages with firms possessing deep expertise in rocket propulsion, space communications, and real-time data processing. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical risk mitigation, and agile acquisition pathways such as Other Transaction Authorities and prototype agreements to expedite the transition of cutting-edge technologies from lab to field. Nicasio’s procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions issued without set-aside designations. This indicates a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic categorization, prioritizing mission-critical performance and innovation speed. While small business participation is not formally mandated in his portfolio, he remains compliant with all federal acquisition regulations and may include small businesses as subcontractors within larger prime contracts. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541715 and 541712, encompassing physical and engineering research and development services. He routinely acquires advanced propulsion system design, space-qualified electronics, autonomous guidance algorithms, and high-fidelity simulation tools. His technical domain expertise centers on space propulsion, orbital mechanics, and resilient space architectures, ensuring funded projects align with the Air Force’s strategic imperatives in next-generation space systems.