Debby Mitchell

Debby Mitchell serves as Fleet Manager for the National Forests in Mississippi, overseeing the acquisition, maintenance, and operational support of specialized vehicle and transportation equipment critical to forest management and public safety. In this role, she ensures the agency’s fleet meets stringent environmental, safety, and durability standards required for rugged terrain operations, including wildfire response, trail maintenance, and resource transport. Her procurement activities are central to sustaining the U.S. Forest Service’s mission of infrastructure resilience, with a focus on acquiring mission-critical transportation assets that support ecological stewardship and emergency response capabilities across Mississippi’s forested landscapes. Mitchell collaborates closely with a network of specialized vendors capable of delivering custom-engineered, off-road, and heavy-duty vehicles tailored to federal forestry operations. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, her procurement patterns reflect a preference for suppliers with proven expertise in ruggedized vehicle modification, adaptive chassis systems, and compliance with federal vehicle safety and emissions standards. She maintains a collaborative, performance-driven relationship with vendors who demonstrate reliability, technical adaptability, and responsiveness to field operational needs. A staunch advocate for small business inclusion, Mitchell directs 100% of her fleet-related acquisitions toward full Small Business Set-Aside under FAR 19.5, ensuring equitable access for small manufacturers and service providers. This consistent commitment fosters growth among small businesses with niche capabilities in specialized transportation equipment, reinforcing the Department of Agriculture’s socioeconomic contracting goals and promoting innovation through diverse vendor participation. Her primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 336999 — All Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing — encompassing custom-built utility vehicles, all-terrain transport units, and modified chassis systems designed for off-road forestry applications. She specializes in acquiring equipment with enhanced durability, low-impact environmental features, and integrated safety systems, demonstrating deep technical expertise in vehicle specifications aligned with federal land management requirements.