Dara Lucero

Dara T. Lucero serves as a Purchasing Agent for the USDA Forest Service, playing a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission of ecological stewardship and operational resilience across federal lands. Responsible for executing procurements under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Lucero manages a diverse portfolio of contracts supporting wildfire mitigation, infrastructure maintenance, and resource management in remote and rugged environments. Their work ensures timely acquisition of essential goods and services that sustain field operations, from equipment and labor to engineering and support services, directly enabling the Forest Service’s emergency response and long-term ecosystem restoration goals. Lucero maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of contractors, including ACI FEDERAL INC, ONE STOP RECRUITING LLC, GONDO ROY E MD, THE LOCUMS CO, LLC, and AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC. These partnerships reflect a strategic reliance on specialized firms providing forestry support, temporary staffing, medical services for remote crews, and technical consulting. The procurement patterns indicate a preference for vendors with proven experience in federal land management contexts, emphasizing reliability, regulatory compliance, and adaptability to challenging field conditions. A strong commitment to small business participation defines Lucero’s contracting approach, with over 70% of awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. Additional emphasis is placed on HUBZone contractors, reflecting a deliberate effort to channel opportunities to economically disadvantaged rural communities. While 8(a) and SDVOSB set-asides are less frequent, the overall socioeconomic strategy prioritizes broad small business engagement as a core pillar of procurement integrity and community impact. Lucero’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), and 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction), underscoring expertise in land management infrastructure, trail and road maintenance, and civil works supporting forest operations. Complementary acquisitions in janitorial services and specialized staffing further support the agency’s on-the-ground operational readiness in national forests and grasslands.