David Hester

David Hester serves as the primary contracting lead for the National Cemetery Administration, overseeing the acquisition of mission-critical services that uphold the dignity and perpetual care of national veterans’ burial grounds. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on grounds maintenance, infrastructure preservation, security systems, and waste management, ensuring alignment with the agency’s mandate to honor veterans through enduring stewardship of cemetery landscapes and facilities. His procurement activities prioritize operational continuity, historical integrity, and environmental compliance across federal cemetery sites nationwide. Hester maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC, LAUBACKER ENTERPRISES, INC., and HAMILTON PACIFIC CHAMBERLAIN LLC, all of whom provide specialized expertise in landscaping, site development, and facility maintenance. He also collaborates regularly with aerospace and commercial technology firms for security and surveillance systems, and with environmental service providers for waste collection and hazardous material handling. His procurement patterns reflect long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance reliability and mission alignment. A pronounced commitment to socioeconomic goals is evident in Hester’s contracting approach, with nearly 68% of awards designated for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), reflecting a deliberate strategy to prioritize veteran-led enterprises. Additional awards flow to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a structured effort to expand opportunities for small businesses while ensuring high-quality service delivery in support of national cemetery operations. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 561730 (Landscaping Services), which constitutes over 30% of his portfolio, followed by security systems (561621), solid and hazardous waste collection (562111/562112), and commercial equipment repair (811310). This specialization underscores deep technical expertise in outdoor infrastructure maintenance, environmental compliance, and cemetery-specific operational requirements, ensuring that every acquisition directly supports the solemn and enduring mission of honoring America’s veterans.