Sandra N. Gleason

Sandra N. Gleason serves as a key procurement professional within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s RDK division (FA9451), responsible for managing complex research and development acquisitions that advance national security technologies in directed energy, electro-optics, and laser systems. She plays a critical role in translating the RDK’s technical mission into actionable contracts, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific capabilities in physical and engineering sciences are rapidly matured and fielded. Her portfolio primarily encompasses basic and applied R&D contracts, including prototype development, test and evaluation services, and advanced instrumentation procurement, all aligned with the Air Force’s strategic imperatives for air dominance and next-generation aerospace systems. Gleason collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of contractors, including defense primes, specialized research institutions, and high-technology small firms capable of delivering innovative solutions in laser vulnerability analysis, optical sensor design, and high-energy beam systems. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages vendors with proven expertise in classified and unclassified R&D environments, favoring those with strong technical credibility, secure facility clearances, and demonstrated agility in meeting rapidly evolving operational requirements. Her contracting approach reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions designated as non-set-aside, indicating a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic classifications. This reflects the mission-critical nature of RDK’s work, where speed, precision, and proprietary technological advantage take precedence over traditional small business set-asides. Gleason’s procurement activity is exclusively focused on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—underscoring her deep specialization in science-driven acquisitions. She procures services related to laser physics, electro-optical system integration, materials characterization, and advanced diagnostics, working closely with contractors who possess domain expertise in aerospace-grade instrumentation and classified test methodologies.