Robert Klees

Robert Klees serves as the Contracting Point of Contact for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he manages the acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials critical to U.S. air and space dominance. He oversees the full lifecycle of research and development contracts, ensuring alignment with mission-critical objectives in adaptive flight control, propulsion integration, and next-generation materials science. His procurement portfolio is exclusively focused on fundamental and applied R&D, bridging laboratory innovation with operational readiness through strategic contract vehicles and performance-based acquisition methods. Klees maintains longstanding relationships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These partnerships are characterized by deep technical collaboration, with vendors providing specialized expertise in propulsion system design, hypersonic test infrastructure, and advanced composite manufacturing. His contracting approach emphasizes performance outcomes, technical risk mitigation, and sustained engagement with industry partners capable of delivering complex, high-fidelity solutions under stringent aerospace standards. Klees does not utilize socioeconomic set-asides; all acquisitions are conducted as full and open competitions, reflecting the highly specialized and classified nature of the research being procured. While small business participation is not mandated through set-asides, his portfolio remains open to qualified small businesses capable of meeting the technical rigor of propulsion and materials R&D, provided they demonstrate proven capability in advanced aerospace domains. His procurement activity is concentrated entirely under NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—with a focus on propulsion system prototyping, thermal management materials, hypersonic flight validation, and adaptive control algorithms. He consistently engages vendors with expertise in computational fluid dynamics, high-temperature material testing, and integrated propulsion architectures to support the Air Force’s next-generation airpower objectives.