Darcy J Rapoza

Darcy J. Rapoza serves as the primary contracting lead for the Mount Hood National Forest, overseeing the acquisition of critical infrastructure and operational support services essential to sustaining the forest’s ecological and public safety missions. Responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of construction, engineering, and specialty trade contracts, Rapoza ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing the agency’s goals of resilient infrastructure, forest restoration, and public access. Their work directly supports the U.S. Forest Service’s mandate to maintain roadways, bridges, water systems, and facilities across a complex, terrain-challenged landscape, requiring precise contract administration and technical coordination with field personnel. Rapoza cultivates collaborative relationships with a broad network of specialty trade contractors, engineering firms, and small business vendors specializing in public works and environmental infrastructure. While no single contractor dominates the portfolio, Rapoza consistently engages firms with proven expertise in forested environment construction, including those experienced in erosion control, sustainable materials, and seasonal work constraints. The contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, site-specific adaptability, and long-term vendor reliability over transactional procurement. A strong commitment to socioeconomic equity defines Rapoza’s contracting patterns, with 94.9% of acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize local and regionally based contractors, fostering economic resilience in rural communities surrounding the national forest. The consistent use of small business set-asides underscores a dedication to inclusive contracting, with minimal reliance on unrestricted awards. Rapoza’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 237310 (highway, street, and bridge construction), 238220 (plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning), and 238990 (other specialty trade contractors), reflecting a heavy emphasis on physical infrastructure maintenance. Engineering services under NAICS 541330 also feature prominently, supporting design and environmental compliance for restoration projects. Their expertise lies in managing complex, multi-disciplinary contracts that integrate civil works, utility systems, and ecological safeguards within sensitive forested environments.