Somer Reding

Somer Reding serves as a Contracting Officer within the W6QK Acc-rsa, a critical element of the Department of the Army responsible for sustaining and modernizing the U.S. Army’s aerial and missile defense capabilities. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions for mission-critical aerospace systems, including guided missile components, avionics, propulsion systems, and sensor technologies supporting platforms such as the UH-60 and AH-64 Apache. Her procurement portfolio emphasizes technical rigor, compliance with defense acquisition regulations, and timely delivery of high-reliability systems essential to operational readiness. She works closely with engineering and program management teams to align contract requirements with evolving tactical needs. Reding cultivates strategic relationships with a diverse base of defense contractors specializing in aerospace and defense manufacturing, including firms with deep expertise in guided missile systems, aeronautical instrumentation, and mission-critical electrical components. While her contracting activity is largely open competition, she maintains consistent engagement with qualified small businesses and mid-tier suppliers capable of delivering specialized subsystems and technical services under tight performance timelines. Her approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, risk mitigation, and supplier qualification through rigorous technical evaluations. Her set-aside preferences reflect a strong commitment to small business participation, with approximately 10% of her acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her contracts remain unrestricted, she actively encourages small business subcontracting and ensures socioeconomic programs are integrated into solicitation planning where feasible, aligning with Army-wide goals for inclusive supplier development. Reding’s primary industry focus centers on NAICS 336419 (guided missile parts), 336414 (guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing), and 334511 (aeronautical system and instrument manufacturing). She routinely procures advanced electro-optical sensors, flight control systems, propulsion subsystems, and integrated avionics, demonstrating deep technical fluency in defense aerospace domains and a proven ability to navigate complex supply chains for mission-critical defense technologies.