Tara Norris

Tara Norris serves as a Contract Negotiator within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where she plays a pivotal role in advancing next-generation aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, and high-performance materials programs. She manages complex technical acquisitions spanning research and development, prototype development, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring alignment with mission-critical objectives for air and space dominance. Her work bridges technical innovation and regulatory compliance, negotiating contracts that support fundamental and applied research in propulsion systems, adaptive flight controls, and functional materials under strict federal acquisition guidelines. Norris maintains established relationships with key industry partners including UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC, reflecting a blend of large prime contractors and specialized technology providers. Her procurement approach emphasizes collaboration with firms possessing deep expertise in aerospace systems, composite materials, and analytical instrumentation, fostering long-term partnerships that enable rapid prototyping and technology transition from lab to field. A strong advocate for small business participation, Norris consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Aside contracts under FAR 19.5, with over 57% of her portfolio designated for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate innovation from emerging vendors while ensuring broad socioeconomic inclusion across the defense industrial base. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a balanced commitment to both established primes and agile small business contributors. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712 for research and development in physical and engineering sciences, followed by 334516 for analytical laboratory instrumentation and 721110 for lodging services supporting field operations. This unique blend underscores her role in acquiring both cutting-edge R&D capabilities and essential operational support services critical to sustaining AFRL’s propulsion mission.