Charles Cotton

Charles Cotton serves as the primary procurement lead for the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest, overseeing the acquisition of critical infrastructure and land management services under the U.S. Forest Service. Responsible for executing contracts that support ecological restoration, trail and campground maintenance, watershed protection, and wildfire mitigation, Cotton ensures that procurement activities align with the agency’s mission of sustainable forest stewardship. He manages a diverse portfolio of construction and specialty trade contracts, with a strong emphasis on compliance with federal acquisition regulations and environmental performance standards. While specific contractor names are not publicly identified, Cotton consistently engages with small businesses and specialty trade contractors experienced in forested terrain operations. His working relationships are characterized by long-term partnerships with firms capable of executing complex site preparation, erosion control, and low-impact construction in sensitive ecological zones. He prioritizes vendors with proven expertise in working within federally protected lands and adhering to NEPA and ESA compliance protocols. Cotton demonstrates an exceptional commitment to small business participation, with 95.3% of his acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate focus on socioeconomic programs, regularly awarding contracts to small disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone firms, and other qualified small entities capable of delivering essential forest infrastructure services. This robust small business emphasis supports rural economic development while ensuring the agency taps into a diverse, agile vendor base. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), reflecting the need for durable access infrastructure across rugged Appalachian terrain. He also frequently procures site preparation (238910) and specialty trade services (238990) for trail construction, culvert installation, and erosion control structures. His technical expertise lies in managing construction in ecologically sensitive environments, requiring specialized knowledge of sustainable forestry practices, sediment control, and low-impact development techniques.