Brandon O. Lorthridge

Brandon Lorthridge serves as the primary procurement lead for the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center’s Acquisition Division under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he manages the acquisition of technical and professional services critical to national conservation and land management initiatives. His role centers on securing expert engineering, data analytics, and training services that support field-level conservation programs, soil health assessments, and rural resource planning. Lorthridge oversees a diverse portfolio of contract actions, primarily focused on professional services that enable data-driven decision-making for federal land conservation efforts, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and mission-aligned outcomes. He maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including PROJECTELLA LLC, HOMESTEAD SERVICES, LLC, and JANIE B LLC, all of which provide specialized technical support in conservation planning, land easement management, and agricultural data systems. These partnerships reflect a preference for agile, niche service providers capable of delivering field-responsive solutions tailored to USDA’s conservation priorities. Lorthridge’s contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, requiring contractors to demonstrate technical proficiency in environmental monitoring and land use analytics. While the majority of his acquisitions—75%—are conducted without set-asides, he consistently allocates 25% of his portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a strong commitment to small business participation without favoring specific socioeconomic categories such as 8(a) or HUBZone. His procurement patterns prioritize capability over certification, ensuring competitive, mission-critical services are sourced efficiently. Lorthridge’s primary NAICS focus includes 721110 (Hotels and Motels), which supports temporary field staff lodging for conservation teams; 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training), used to upskill USDA personnel in conservation practices; and 531320 (Real Estate Appraisers), critical for land easement valuation and acquisition. His expertise lies in procuring services that bridge technical field operations with administrative compliance in agricultural conservation programs.