Joshua L. Howell

Joshua L. Howell serves as a Contract Specialist within the W6QK Acc-rsa organization under the Department of the Army, where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex aerospace and missile defense acquisitions. He manages the full lifecycle of contracts for mission-critical systems including avionics, propulsion, and sensor technologies supporting platforms such as the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache. His work directly enables the modernization and sustainment of the Army’s aerial and missile defense capabilities, ensuring operational readiness through timely and compliant procurement of high-technology systems and integrated support services. Howell maintains established contracting relationships with prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corporation and Alaska Aerospace Corp., partnering with industry leaders capable of delivering advanced aerospace engineering solutions and mission-critical logistics support. His procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based contracting, and risk mitigation in high-stakes defense programs. These relationships are characterized by long-term collaboration, stringent compliance with defense acquisition regulations, and a focus on delivering scalable, interoperable systems aligned with Army modernization priorities. Howell’s contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions conducted without set-asides for 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. This reflects a strategic alignment with the technical complexity and scale of the missions he supports, where specialized capabilities and industrial base readiness take precedence over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in his portfolio, he ensures all solicitations adhere to FAR requirements and foster fair competition among qualified vendors. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 511210 (Software Publishers), where he acquires custom-developed mission software for flight control, threat detection, and battle management systems. He also engages NAICS 541511 for bespoke computer programming services supporting integrated avionics architectures. His technical expertise centers on secure, real-time software integration, embedded systems, and defense-grade cybersecurity compliance within aerospace platforms.