Susan Guzman

Susan Guzman serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions for advanced space and aerospace technologies. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts supporting foundational research, rapid prototyping, and next-generation space systems, including resilient computing architectures and high-performance instrumentation. Her portfolio primarily encompasses research and development efforts aligned with space domain awareness, satellite communications, and autonomous space operations, ensuring the Department of the Air Force maintains technological superiority in the space domain. Guzman’s expertise lies in structuring performance-based, cost-reimbursement, and time-and-materials contracts that align with AFRL’s innovation-driven acquisition philosophy. Guzman collaborates with a diverse range of defense contractors and research institutions specializing in rocket propulsion, guided missile systems, and space vehicle instrumentation. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms possessing deep technical capabilities in propulsion systems, space-grade electronics, and real-time data processing. Her working relationships are characterized by close collaboration with prime contractors and subcontractors capable of rapid iteration and technical adaptability, often supporting agile development cycles and prototype-to-fielding transitions under tight timelines. Guzman demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 20% of her acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. She actively promotes socioeconomic contracting opportunities, prioritizing small businesses with proven expertise in aerospace R&D and specialized manufacturing. While the majority of her contracts remain open to all competitors, her consistent use of small business set-asides reflects a deliberate strategy to foster innovation from emerging industry players. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 541712 for research and development in physical and engineering sciences, and NAICS 336419 for guided missile and space vehicle component manufacturing. She regularly procures advanced propulsion subsystems, avionics, sensor arrays, and space-qualified instrumentation, demonstrating deep technical fluency in hypersonics, propulsion integration, and space system resilience.