Matthew J. Kopel

Matthew J. Kopel serves as a Contract Specialist with the W4MM USA Joint Munitions Command, where he plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition of conventional ammunition and explosives for the U.S. Army. Responsible for managing full-cycle procurement activities—from solicitation and source selection to contract award and administration—Kopel ensures that munitions systems meet operational readiness requirements across land, air, and naval forces. His work directly supports the Command’s mission to modernize warfighting capabilities, sustain resilient supply chains, and safely manage the demilitarization of explosive ordnance, with a focus on complex, high-stakes defense acquisitions governed by FAR and DFARS regulations. Kopel collaborates with a network of specialized defense industrial base contractors, primarily in ammunition manufacturing and related logistics sectors. While specific vendor names are not disclosed, his contracting patterns indicate consistent engagement with Tier 1 defense manufacturers and niche suppliers capable of meeting stringent military specifications for explosive components, propellants, and munitions packaging. His working relationships emphasize technical compliance, quality assurance, and supply chain security, often requiring rigorous pre-award evaluations and post-award performance monitoring. Kopel demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly one-third of his acquisitions set aside for small businesses, including 26.7% as total small business set-asides and 6.7% competed under the 8(a) program. His approach reflects a balanced strategy that prioritizes small business participation while maintaining mission-critical readiness, aligning with DoD goals to broaden the industrial base and foster innovation among certified disadvantaged and veteran-owned firms. His procurement focus is heavily concentrated in NAICS 332993 (Ammunition Manufacturing), accounting for over 70% of his portfolio, with additional activity in NAICS 333249 (Other Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing) and 321920 (Wood Container Manufacturing). This specialization underscores his expertise in procuring high-volume, precision-engineered munitions components, explosive containers, and specialized packaging systems critical to safe storage and transport of ordnance.