Matthew Clute

Matthew Clute serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where he plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition of advanced naval aviation systems. Responsible for managing complex contract actions from solicitation through award and administration, he supports the procurement of mission-critical aircraft, guided missile systems, and associated avionics infrastructure. His work directly enables NAVAIR’s mandate to maintain air superiority through the development, testing, and sustainment of carrier-based and expeditionary platforms. Clute routinely handles full-and-open, performance-based contracts requiring rigorous technical evaluation and risk mitigation, ensuring alignment with Department of Defense acquisition regulations and naval operational requirements. Clute maintains consistent procurement relationships with leading defense prime contractors, including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, all of which provide high-performance aerospace and weapons systems. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term partnership with industry leaders capable of delivering integrated solutions across flight systems, propulsion, and mission electronics. He frequently engages vendors with proven track records in delivering classified, ruggedized, and sustainment-ready platforms, fostering collaborative environments that prioritize technical innovation, schedule adherence, and logistics readiness. Clute’s contracting portfolio is entirely composed of full-and-open competitions, with no set-asides designated for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic categories. This reflects NAVAIR’s strategic focus on acquiring highly specialized, technologically advanced systems where only a limited number of qualified industry participants possess the requisite clearance, expertise, and production capacity. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in his portfolio, he ensures all solicitations are structured to allow fair competition among capable firms regardless of size. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing) and 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in air-to-air and air-to-surface weapon systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and next-generation naval aircraft platforms. He specializes in procuring integrated avionics, electronic warfare suites, and flight control systems requiring stringent MIL-STD compliance and rapid fielding timelines.