Matthew S. Horst

Matthew S. Horst serves as a Contract Specialist within the W6QK Acc-rsa organization under the Department of the Army, where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex aerospace and missile defense acquisitions. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle management of contracts for mission-critical aerial systems, including aircraft platforms such as the UH-60 and AH-64 Apache, as well as related avionics, propulsion, and sensor technologies. Horst ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurement activities with the agency’s strategic modernization goals for Army aviation and air defense capabilities. He routinely handles sole-source, competitive, and set-aside contracts for high-technology defense systems requiring rigorous technical oversight and risk mitigation. Horst maintains strong, ongoing relationships with prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation and Alaska Aerospace Corp, partnering with industry leaders experienced in advanced aerospace manufacturing and flight system integration. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established defense contractors with proven track records in delivering mission-critical aerospace systems under tight operational timelines. These relationships are characterized by sustained collaboration, technical alignment, and adherence to stringent DoD quality and security standards. While the majority of his acquisitions are conducted under open competition (66.7%), Horst consistently allocates one-third of his portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding small business participation in high-technology defense contracting. He actively supports qualified small businesses capable of delivering specialized aerospace support services, ensuring broad industry engagement without compromising mission readiness. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), where he oversees the acquisition of new and upgraded airframes, flight control systems, and integrated mission suites. He also manages support activities under NAICS 488190, including maintenance, logistics, and technical services for Army aviation platforms. Horst’s expertise centers on the procurement of integrated aerospace systems requiring advanced engineering, supply chain resilience, and compliance with military specifications.