Barry Howard

Barry Howard serves as a Contracting Officer within the W6QK Acc-rsa under the Department of the Army, where he plays a pivotal role in acquiring mission-critical aerospace systems that sustain and modernize the U.S. Army’s aerial and missile defense capabilities. His portfolio centers on the procurement of advanced aircraft platforms, including the UH-60 and AH-64 Apache, along with integrated avionics, propulsion, and sensor technologies essential for operational readiness. Howard manages full lifecycle contracts—from solicitation and source selection to award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning acquisitions with the Army’s strategic modernization priorities. He specializes in complex, high-stakes procurements requiring technical rigor and stringent performance standards. Howard maintains long-standing relationships with prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corporation and Alaska Aerospace Corp., partnering with industry leaders capable of delivering cutting-edge aerospace systems under demanding military specifications. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical validation, and risk mitigation through robust contract clauses and oversight mechanisms. He works closely with these vendors to ensure timely delivery of mission-essential hardware and integrated support services, fostering collaborative relationships grounded in accountability and technical alignment. Howard’s procurement portfolio reflects a 100% non-set-aside preference, indicating a focus on full and open competition for technically complex, large-scale aerospace acquisitions. While he does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, his approach ensures competitive rigor and access to the most capable industrial base for systems requiring specialized aerospace engineering expertise. His primary focus lies in NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), where he procures complete airframes, flight control systems, mission avionics suites, and associated sustainment services. His domain expertise spans rotary-wing and missile defense platforms, with deep familiarity in military-grade integration, flight certification, and lifecycle support requirements critical to Army aviation readiness.