Barbara K. Darling

Barbara K. Darling serves as a Contracting Officer for the Deschutes National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, where she manages the acquisition of critical services and infrastructure support essential to sustainable land stewardship. Her portfolio encompasses contracts for ecological restoration, wildfire risk mitigation, trail and facility maintenance, and cultural resource protection. She plays a pivotal role in aligning procurement activities with the agency’s mission to balance public access with long-term ecosystem resilience, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and environmental mandates. Darling typically handles service-based acquisitions under FAR Part 12 and Part 36, with a strong emphasis on performance-based contracting and outcome-driven deliverables. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Darling maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse array of vendors specializing in forestry support, construction, and environmental services. Her procurement approach prioritizes technical proficiency, safety compliance, and ecological expertise, fostering partnerships with firms capable of operating in remote, sensitive environments. She frequently engages with contractors who demonstrate proven experience in federal land management contexts, ensuring that work aligns with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and forest-specific management plans. Darling exhibits a pronounced commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 81.3% of her awards designated for small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to maximize opportunities for small, locally based firms, including those owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Her consistent use of small business set-asides underscores a broader agency priority to strengthen rural economies and build capacity among regional contractors with intimate knowledge of central Oregon’s unique landscapes. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 238220 (plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning), 115310 (support activities for forestry), and 238190 (other building exterior contractors), reflecting the agency’s need for infrastructure maintenance and ecological service support. She also regularly procures environmental consulting services and construction equipment leasing, demonstrating expertise in managing technical, field-based contracts that require specialized knowledge of forest operations, hazardous materials handling, and resource conservation protocols.