Thomas Howell

Thomas Howell serves as Program Manager within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (FA8650), where he leads the acquisition and technical integration of advanced aerospace propulsion systems, hypersonic technologies, and high-performance functional materials. He plays a pivotal role in translating laboratory innovations into operational capabilities by managing complex research and development contracts that bridge fundamental science with flight-ready engineering solutions. His portfolio encompasses early-stage prototyping, materials characterization, and adaptive flight control system development, ensuring alignment with the Air Force’s strategic imperatives for air and space dominance. Howell maintains sustained 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 are characterized by long-term technical collaboration, with contractors frequently engaged across multiple phases of R&D—from concept validation to subscale testing and system integration. His procurement approach emphasizes technical excellence and mission-critical performance, favoring vendors with proven expertise in propulsion systems, composite materials, and hypersonic aerodynamics. Howell’s contracting activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on accessing the broadest possible pool of technical capability, prioritizing mission need over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally mandated in his portfolio, vendors of all sizes are evaluated equally on technical merit, innovation, and past performance. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712 and 541715, encompassing research and development in physical and engineering sciences, particularly in propulsion system design, thermal protection materials, and high-temperature structural components. He consistently procures advanced engineering services, computational modeling, wind tunnel testing, and materials fabrication capabilities critical to next-generation air and space propulsion systems.