Matthew Aponte

Matthew Aponte serves as Division Chief at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock (N00167), where he oversees the acquisition and lifecycle management of advanced maritime systems critical to naval warfare readiness. In this leadership role, he directs the planning, solicitation, and award of contracts supporting research, development, testing, and evaluation of naval platforms, with a focus on signature management, hydrodynamic performance, and sensor integration. His portfolio encompasses complex technical acquisitions requiring rigorous engineering validation and systems integration, ensuring alignment with Department of the Navy strategic objectives for next-generation surface and underwater warfare capabilities. Aponte maintains sustained working relationships with a select group of prime contractors including BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., Goodrich Corp, and Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, who provide specialized engineering services, sensor systems, and propulsion technologies. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven expertise in naval systems integration, often engaging joint ventures and firms with prior performance on classified or high-assurance programs. These partnerships are typically structured through competitive sealed bidding or negotiated procurements under FAR Part 15, emphasizing technical merit and past performance. His contracting activity demonstrates a strong preference for unrestricted competitions, with 92.9% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides, reflecting the technical complexity and mission-critical nature of the requirements. While small business participation is limited to 7.1%, it is strategically directed toward Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, prioritizing firms capable of delivering advanced engineering solutions rather than general services. Aponte’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 511210 (Software Publishers) and 334511 (Navigation and Guidance Systems Manufacturing), reflecting deep engagement with embedded software, sensor fusion, and digital signal processing technologies. He also procures specialized testing equipment and marine systems through NAICS 238220 and 334111, underscoring his domain expertise in integrated naval platform systems, electronic warfare components, and survivability-enhancing technologies.