Sean Donegan

Sean Donegan serves as Program Manager within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he leads the acquisition and integration of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials. He plays a pivotal role in translating scientific innovation into operational capability by managing complex R&D contracts that bridge fundamental research and flight-ready prototypes. His portfolio emphasizes early-stage technology maturation, system integration, and prototyping efforts critical to sustaining U.S. air and space dominance. Donegan routinely oversees solicitations under full and open competition, prioritizing technical excellence and mission alignment over socioeconomic set-asides. He maintains consistent, long-term partnerships with industry leaders including UES INC, General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc, and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These relationships are built on deep technical collaboration, with contractors providing specialized expertise in propulsion system design, adaptive flight controls, composite material development, and high-temperature component manufacturing. Donegan favors vendors with proven capabilities in aerospace propulsion and materials science, often engaging them through cost-reimbursable and time-and-materials contracts to accommodate evolving technical requirements. Donegan’s contracting activity is entirely under full and open competition, with no set-asides designated for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic programs. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the work, which demands advanced engineering capabilities typically found only among established aerospace primes and niche materials innovators. While small business participation is not formally prioritized, subcontracting opportunities may arise organically through prime contractor teaming arrangements. His procurement focus is exclusively centered on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—specifically targeting propulsion system design, hypersonic aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and advanced composite manufacturing. He works closely with contractors developing next-generation scramjets, rocket-based combined cycle engines, and high-temperature structural materials capable of withstanding extreme operational environments.