Matthew C Ashurst

Matthew C. Ashurst serves as a Contracting Officer within the Department of Homeland Security’s Contracting and Procurement office under the Transportation Security Administration, where he plays a pivotal role in securing critical infrastructure solutions to enhance national transportation security. He manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for specialized detection and monitoring systems, including irradiation apparatus, explosive detection technologies, and GPS-enabled rail surveillance equipment. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to safeguard aviation and transit networks through the procurement of high-integrity, technologically advanced systems that meet stringent federal safety and cybersecurity standards. Ashurst maintains a balanced procurement approach, engaging both large-capacity manufacturers and qualified small businesses to fulfill mission-critical requirements. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently collaborates with vendors possessing specialized expertise in radiation detection systems and security instrumentation, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in compliance, performance, and innovation. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for competitive, full-and-open solicitations, with strategic use of small business set-asides to broaden vendor participation. He demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 33.3% of his acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate effort to expand opportunities for small businesses in the national security supply chain. Although no specific set-aside categories are predominant, his pattern suggests active engagement with small businesses capable of delivering complex technical solutions in regulated environments. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334517 (Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing), where he oversees the acquisition of radiation-based detection systems used in cargo and baggage screening. He also manages services under NAICS 541211 (Offices of Certified Public Accountants), ensuring robust financial oversight and audit readiness for high-risk contracts. Ashurst’s expertise spans technical specifications for security hardware, compliance with DHS acquisition directives, and the integration of cybersecurity requirements into procurement documentation.