Rinda Kearney

Rinda L. Kearney serves as a Contracting Officer within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where she leads the acquisition of advanced aerospace and space systems technologies critical to U.S. dominance in space domain awareness and autonomous operations. Her portfolio centers on foundational research and rapid prototyping initiatives, managing complex contracts for high-performance instrumentation, resilient computing architectures, and next-generation propulsion systems. Kearney plays a pivotal role in translating operational warfighter needs into technically rigorous solicitations, ensuring alignment with the Department of the Air Force’s strategic imperatives in space innovation and next-generation satellite communications. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Kearney consistently engages with a dynamic ecosystem of research-focused firms, including small businesses and specialized engineering entities capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions in propulsion, space systems, and advanced materials. Her procurement approach emphasizes agility and technical precision, fostering partnerships with vendors possessing deep expertise in experimental aerospace development and rapid iteration cycles. She maintains a collaborative working relationship with industry, academia, and government labs to accelerate technology transition from concept to capability. Kearney exhibits a strong, unwavering commitment to small business participation, directing 100% of her acquisitions toward total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate innovation from emerging vendors and ensure broad economic opportunity within the national security technology base. Her contracting patterns prioritize socioeconomic inclusion, consistently awarding contracts to small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, and other qualified small business concerns capable of meeting demanding technical requirements. Her primary focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where she procures advanced R&D services spanning rocket propulsion systems, space-qualified electronics, autonomous navigation algorithms, and high-fidelity simulation tools. Kearney’s expertise lies in structuring performance-based contracts that incentivize innovation while ensuring technical accountability in high-stakes aerospace environments.