Matthew B. Comer

Matthew B. Comer serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8620 Aflcmc Wijk Big Safari office, supporting the Department of Defense’s mission to rapidly field classified and unconventional airborne systems for special operations and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. He manages high-priority, time-sensitive acquisitions for mission-critical avionics, sensor integration, secure communications, and tailored electronic systems—primarily for C-130 and MQ-9 platforms. His work operates outside traditional acquisition cycles, emphasizing agile development, rapid prototyping, and urgent capability delivery to support time-sensitive operational requirements. Comer’s portfolio is defined by its classification level, technical complexity, and need for expeditionary deployment. Comer collaborates with a select group of defense technology contractors experienced in classified aerospace integration, including firms specializing in secure data links, electro-optical/infrared sensor payloads, and embedded mission computing. His contracting approach favors partners with proven expertise in rapid fielding, reverse engineering of legacy systems, and compliance with stringent DoD security protocols. Vendor relationships are built on technical credibility, security clearances, and demonstrated ability to meet accelerated delivery timelines under tight operational constraints, often involving non-traditional defense suppliers with niche engineering capabilities. Comer’s procurement activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of contracts awarded without socioeconomic preferences. This reflects the classified, mission-critical nature of Big Safari’s work, where technical capability and security compliance take precedence over socioeconomic criteria. While small business participation is not formally incentivized, vendors must still meet rigorous certification and clearance thresholds, ensuring only qualified entities with appropriate DoD access can compete. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 519130 (Other Information Services) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), underscoring his emphasis on bespoke software-defined systems, mission-specific firmware, real-time data processing, and integrated electronic warfare suites. Comer specializes in acquiring software-defined radios, secure airborne networks, and reconfigurable mission computers—technical domains requiring deep expertise in embedded systems, signal processing, and secure avionics architecture.