Sandy N Roche

Sandy N. Roche serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PZL), supporting the development and acquisition of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials critical to U.S. air and space dominance. Responsible for managing complex research and development contracts, Roche oversees the acquisition of cutting-edge engineering solutions spanning propulsion system integration, adaptive flight control architectures, and next-generation thermal protection materials. Their work directly enables the transition of laboratory innovations into operational capabilities, ensuring alignment with Air Force modernization priorities and national security objectives. Roche maintains enduring partnerships with leading aerospace and defense contractors including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These relationships reflect a strategic focus on collaboration with industry leaders possessing deep expertise in propulsion systems, composite material fabrication, and systems integration. The procurement approach emphasizes long-term technical alignment, performance-based contracting, and sustained engagement with vendors capable of delivering high-risk, high-reward R&D outcomes under stringent government specifications. While the majority of acquisitions are conducted as unrestricted competitions (75%), Roche consistently prioritizes small business participation, allocating approximately 25% of contract opportunities as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This pattern demonstrates a deliberate commitment to fostering innovation from small, agile firms with specialized technical capabilities, without compromising mission-critical performance requirements. The procurement portfolio centers on advanced aerospace engineering services, including propulsion system design, hypersonics testing, and high-temperature material development. Though specific NAICS codes are not available, the technical domain clearly aligns with research and development in aerospace propulsion, composite manufacturing, and flight systems integration, supporting AFRL’s mission to accelerate the fielding of transformative propulsion technologies for next-generation aircraft and space platforms.