Matthew Mercer

Matthew Mercer serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8684 Aflcmc Rodk, a critical unit under the Department of the Air Force focused on aerospace sustainment and next-generation R&D. He manages complex acquisitions in computer systems design and physical sciences research, ensuring that mission-critical capabilities—from advanced manufacturing processes to airworthy digital maintenance systems—are delivered with technical rigor and operational speed. His work directly supports the agency’s mandate to modernize aircraft sustainment infrastructure and qualify additive manufacturing for flight-critical components, bridging cutting-edge innovation with defense acquisition compliance. Mercer collaborates with a broad spectrum of defense contractors and research institutions specializing in systems engineering, simulation, and aerospace R&D. While no single vendor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages firms with proven expertise in DoD-compliant software development, digital twin modeling, and non-destructive evaluation technologies. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for agile, performance-based solicitation methods and technical proposal evaluations that prioritize innovation, scalability, and supply chain resilience over cost alone. Mercer’s procurement activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects the agency’s need for specialized technical capabilities that are currently available only through a narrow pool of qualified industry partners, many of which are large primes with deep aerospace engineering pedigrees. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in his portfolio, he ensures compliance with all FAR provisions and encourages subcontracting opportunities where technically feasible. His primary focus lies in NAICS 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 541715 (R&D in Physical and Engineering Sciences), driving acquisitions for digital engineering tools, predictive maintenance algorithms, and materials characterization systems. He specializes in procuring high-assurance software, embedded systems, and advanced manufacturing process validation services essential to sustaining air dominance through rapid technological adaptation.