Chester Rogers

Chester Rogers serves as a key procurement professional within the Procurement Management Office (1231ME) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service, where he supports the acquisition of critical administrative, property management, and legal services essential to sustaining federally assisted rural housing programs. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of contract actions—from requirements definition and market research to solicitation, evaluation, and award—ensuring alignment with federal acquisition regulations and agency mission objectives. He primarily manages service-based acquisitions that enable loan servicing, property oversight, and compliance infrastructure for rural housing initiatives, with a strong emphasis on legal counsel and residential property management support. Rogers cultivates strategic partnerships with a diverse ecosystem of vendors, primarily engaging law firms specializing in housing and real estate law, as well as certified residential property management firms with deep experience in federal housing programs. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established small business providers with proven track records in rural service delivery, fostering long-term vendor relationships grounded in regulatory compliance and performance accountability. He works closely with contractors who demonstrate expertise in HUD and USDA program requirements, ensuring seamless integration of contracted services into existing housing support systems. A staunch advocate for socioeconomic inclusion, Rogers consistently prioritizes small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, with over 74% of his acquisitions reserved for small businesses. His procurement strategy actively promotes participation from disadvantaged and underserved entrepreneurs, aligning with USDA’s broader equity goals. While no specific set-aside categories are dominant, the high volume of small business awards signals a deliberate effort to expand opportunity in rural economic development through contracting. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541110 (legal services) and 541311 (residential property management), reflecting a specialized domain expertise in housing compliance, tenant relations, and real estate administration. He procures legal representation for foreclosure avoidance, lease enforcement, and regulatory adherence, alongside property management services including maintenance coordination, rent collection, and occupancy monitoring—ensuring the integrity and sustainability of rural housing portfolios.