Christopher Steen

Christopher Steen serves as an Engineer with the R1 Regional Office of the U.S. Forest Service, where he plays a pivotal role in managing infrastructure acquisitions critical to forest health and public safety. His responsibilities include evaluating technical specifications, overseeing bid evaluations, and ensuring compliance with federal construction standards for road, trail, and bridge systems across ecologically sensitive and remote regions. Steen’s work directly supports the agency’s mission to maintain resilient public access infrastructure while mitigating wildfire risks and preserving natural resources. He primarily handles design-build and construction service contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, with a strong emphasis on engineering integrity and environmental compliance. While specific contractor relationships are not publicly enumerated, Steen consistently engages with qualified small businesses capable of delivering complex civil infrastructure in challenging terrains. His procurement approach favors vendors with demonstrated expertise in remote-site construction, erosion control, and sustainable materials, often partnering with firms holding specialized certifications for working in federally protected lands. He maintains collaborative, performance-driven relationships with contractors who prioritize safety, environmental stewardship, and timely delivery under stringent regulatory frameworks. Steen’s procurement strategy is fully aligned with the Department of Agriculture’s small business mandate, with 100% of his acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate and consistent commitment to fostering economic opportunity among small, locally based contractors, including those certified under HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs. His contracting patterns prioritize socioeconomic equity without compromising technical or operational standards. His primary technical focus lies in NAICS 237310—Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction—where he procures services related to trail stabilization, forest road rehabilitation, culvert installation, and erosion control structures. Steen’s expertise spans geotechnical engineering, drainage design, and sustainable grading practices, ensuring that all infrastructure meets both functional and ecological requirements across the National Forest System.