Ben Hoppus

Ben Hoppus serves as a Forestry Technician with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where he plays a vital role in supporting operational and infrastructure needs across southwestern Washington’s public forest lands. His responsibilities include assessing forest health, coordinating maintenance of ranger facilities, and facilitating critical fire protection system upgrades. Within the agency’s procurement framework, Ben acts as a technical liaison, identifying acquisition requirements and providing subject-matter expertise to ensure contracts align with ecological stewardship goals and safety standards. He routinely interfaces with contracting staff to define scope, evaluate vendor capabilities, and validate technical compliance for service-based acquisitions related to forest management. While specific contractor names are not available, Ben collaborates with a diverse range of vendors specializing in forestry support and land management services. His working relationships emphasize technical proficiency and regulatory adherence, particularly with firms experienced in wildfire mitigation, invasive species control, and trail maintenance. He favors partners who demonstrate proven field capabilities, local knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecosystems, and the ability to mobilize rapidly in response to seasonal or emergency operational needs. Ben exhibits a strong preference for small business participation, with 66.7% of his procurement activities designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate commitment to fostering economic opportunity among local, community-based firms and aligning with USDA’s broader socioeconomic goals. His contracting patterns consistently prioritize small, regionally rooted vendors capable of delivering responsive, hands-on forestry services. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), encompassing services such as fuel reduction, prescribed burning support, and forest inventory coordination. He also regularly procures landscaping services under NAICS 561730 to maintain visitor access points and facility grounds. Ben’s technical expertise centers on sustainable forest operations, ecosystem resilience, and compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards, ensuring all acquisitions advance the agency’s mission of balanced land stewardship.