Tom Dalrymple

Tom Dalrymple serves as a Technical Advisor within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/PZL), providing critical technical oversight for high-priority aerospace propulsion and hypersonics acquisitions. In this role, he bridges scientific innovation with acquisition execution, ensuring that R&D contracts align with mission-critical performance requirements for next-generation propulsion systems, adaptive flight control technologies, and advanced functional materials. His expertise guides the formulation of technical specifications, evaluation of proposal feasibility, and validation of prototype deliverables, making him a pivotal figure in transitioning laboratory breakthroughs into operational capabilities for the U.S. Air Force. Dalrymple maintains consistent working relationships with industry leaders such as UES Inc., General Electric Company, DCS Corporation, Spirit Aerosystems Inc., and Advanced Thermoplastic Composites LLC. These partnerships are characterized by deep technical collaboration, with contractors frequently engaged in complex, performance-based R&D efforts requiring specialized engineering capabilities in combustion dynamics, thermal management systems, and high-temperature composite structures. His procurement approach favors established technical partners with proven track records in aerospace propulsion innovation, fostering long-term, mission-aligned vendor relationships grounded in rigorous technical evaluation. His contracting activity shows no preference for socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven focus on technical superiority over socioeconomic targeting, prioritizing the most capable performers regardless of business size or certification status. While small business participation is not formally incentivized, vendors of all sizes are evaluated strictly on technical merit and system readiness. Dalrymple’s procurement portfolio is exclusively focused on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. He primarily solicits advanced propulsion systems, hypersonic test hardware, high-temperature materials, and computational fluid dynamics modeling services, demonstrating deep domain expertise in aerospace engineering and materials science within the defense R&D ecosystem.