Air Force Lab Exceeds Small Business Partnership Goals

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Small Business Office is poised to surpass its performance metrics from the previous fiscal year, according to Brian McJilton, director of the AFRL Small Business Office. Speaking at the AFRL Small Business Summit in Dayton, McJilton highlighted the increasing engagement with small businesses, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to advancing innovation through collaboration.

“Currently, we are ahead of last year’s small business numbers. If this trend continues, we expect to exceed our financial benchmarks,” McJilton said. “This reflects our effort to provide substantial contracts and growth opportunities for small businesses.”

Reflecting AFRL’s ongoing outreach efforts, McJilton reiterated the importance of connecting with small businesses and streamlining engagement. “Our goal is to invest resources effectively and partner with businesses aligned with our needs,” he said.

AFRL also focused on how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, could enhance these collaborations. Dr. Tim Bunning, AFRL’s chief technology officer, noted the critical role small businesses play in innovation. "Small businesses are key to driving innovation and will only grow in importance as we become more integrated."

McJilton and the AFRL Small Business Office are dedicated to reversing the 33% decline in small business partnerships with the Department of Defense in recent years. “We must be proactive in supporting new small businesses to ensure a strong future supply chain,” McJilton cautioned, stressing the need for continued outreach and collaboration.