Matthew Albers

Captain Matthew Albers serves as a contracting officer within the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where he plays a pivotal role in accelerating the acquisition of mission-critical technologies that enhance the operational edge of elite special operations forces. His portfolio centers on rapid prototyping and field-deployable systems, including advanced tactical communications, electro-optical and night vision equipment, sensor fusion platforms, and secure data link technologies. Albers operates within USSOCOM’s agile acquisition framework, frequently leveraging Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) pathways to bypass traditional procurement cycles and deliver capabilities to warfighters in months rather than years. His work directly supports USSOCOM’s mandate to maintain technological superiority across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains. Captain Albers cultivates strategic partnerships with a broad spectrum of defense contractors, including established defense primes, emerging defense tech startups, and research institutions engaged in rapid innovation. He frequently collaborates with vendors specializing in miniaturized electronics, AI-enabled signal processing, ruggedized communications hardware, and low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) sensor systems. His contracting approach prioritizes agility and technical adaptability, often engaging firms with proven prototypes or those participating in USSOCOM’s experimental pilot programs and innovation challenges. Albers maintains a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions issued as no-set-aside awards. While he does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, he actively encourages small business participation through non-set-aside contracts, often incorporating small business subcontracting goals into complex procurement packages to foster innovation and supply chain resilience. His primary technical focus lies in NAICS categories related to defense electronics, communications equipment manufacturing, and scientific research and development services. He routinely procures next-generation night vision devices, secure waveforms, unmanned system payloads, and integrated soldier-worn sensor suites—all engineered for austere, high-threat environments. Albers’ expertise is grounded in the operational realities of special operations, ensuring that every acquisition aligns with warfighter needs and technological readiness.