Chad Houchin

Chad Houchin serves as an Engineer with the Deschutes National Forest, where he plays a pivotal role in managing infrastructure acquisitions aligned with the U.S. Forest Service’s mission of ecological stewardship and public safety. His responsibilities include evaluating technical specifications, overseeing construction compliance, and ensuring that all procurements support sustainable land management objectives such as wildfire risk reduction, trail maintenance, and cultural resource protection. Houchin primarily handles construction-related acquisitions under the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction NAICS code, ensuring that projects meet federal environmental and engineering standards while advancing the Forest Service’s long-term resilience goals. While specific contractor names are not available, Houchin’s procurement patterns reflect a consistent engagement with qualified construction firms capable of executing complex, environmentally sensitive projects in remote forested terrain. He collaborates closely with vendors experienced in sustainable building practices, erosion control, and heritage site preservation, fostering partnerships with contractors who demonstrate technical proficiency in federal construction codes and ecological mitigation protocols. Houchin maintains a 100% Small Business Set-Aside preference under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a robust commitment to socioeconomic contracting. All construction opportunities under his purview are reserved exclusively for small businesses, providing equitable access to federal work for local and regional firms, including those certified under 8(a), HUBZone, and WOSB programs. This approach strengthens community economic development while ensuring a diverse, responsive vendor base capable of meeting the Forest Service’s unique operational needs. His primary technical focus is on NAICS 236220, encompassing the design and construction of forest service infrastructure including visitor centers, ranger stations, maintenance facilities, and trailhead structures. Houchin’s expertise lies in procuring projects that integrate structural integrity with ecological sensitivity, ensuring all builds comply with NEPA requirements and support the agency’s mission of balancing public access with environmental conservation.