Andrew J. Thompson

Andrew J. Thompson serves as a Contract Specialist for the National Forests in Mississippi, supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s mission to sustainably manage public forest lands through strategic procurement of construction, maintenance, and ecological support services. He manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions under FAR Part 19 and Part 36, focusing on infrastructure resilience, wildfire mitigation, and public access improvements. His portfolio includes contracts for road and trail construction, forestry support activities, and environmental stewardship services, ensuring compliance with federal land management objectives while promoting accountability and efficiency in federal spending. Thompson cultivates strong partnerships with a diverse array of vendors, particularly small businesses specializing in forestry operations and civil infrastructure. He routinely engages contractors with expertise in soil preparation, vegetation management, and forest engineering services, fostering long-term relationships built on performance reliability and regulatory compliance. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his procurement patterns reflect a deliberate preference for local and regional firms with demonstrated capacity in rural forested environments. A staunch advocate for socioeconomic inclusion, Thompson consistently prioritizes small business set-asides, with over 63% of his acquisitions designated for total small business participation. He actively promotes opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and 8(a) firms, aligning with federal goals to broaden economic access in underserved communities. His contracting patterns reflect a balanced yet intentional approach to socioeconomic goals, ensuring compliance while maximizing competition and innovation. His technical expertise centers on NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), which accounts for nearly half of his acquisitions, alongside specialized procurements in highway construction, pesticide application, and engineering services. Thompson’s domain knowledge spans forest health management, erosion control, and public works infrastructure, enabling him to effectively evaluate technical proposals and ensure contract deliverables align with ecological and safety standards.