Billy D. Lawrence

Billy D. Lawrence serves as a Contracting Officer for the Gila National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, where he is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions that support critical infrastructure stewardship and operational sustainability across federal forest lands. His acquisitions focus on facility maintenance, utility upgrades, and ecological restoration projects, ensuring compliance with federal contracting regulations while advancing the agency’s mission of public safety and environmental resilience. He routinely handles construction, engineering, and specialty trade contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, with an emphasis on mission-critical, low-impact projects that preserve natural resources while enhancing public access. Lawrence maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse pool of small and mid-sized contractors specializing in forest service infrastructure, including roofing, concrete product manufacturing, and commercial building construction firms. He works closely with vendors who demonstrate proven experience in remote-site construction, environmental compliance, and sustainable building practices. His procurement approach prioritizes reliability, local expertise, and adaptability to rugged terrain, fostering long-term partnerships with contractors who understand the unique logistical and ecological constraints of federal forest operations. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Lawrence consistently applies Small Business Set-Aside authorities under FAR 19.5, with approximately 90.5% of his acquisitions reserved for small businesses. His contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for socioeconomic programs, including HUBZone and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, ensuring equitable access to federal opportunities for underrepresented firms. This commitment aligns with USDA’s broader goals of economic inclusion and community resilience in rural and forest-dependent regions. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 238160 (Roofing Contractors), 541330 (Engineering Services), and 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors), with additional activity in 327390 (Concrete Product Manufacturing) and 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction). Lawrence brings specialized expertise in procuring durable, weather-resistant infrastructure solutions tailored to high-elevation, fire-prone, and ecologically sensitive environments, ensuring long-term performance and regulatory compliance.