Della Koelling

Della K. Koelling serves as a key procurement professional within the U.S. Forest Service’s R10 Alaska Regional Office, overseeing the acquisition of critical infrastructure and operational support services essential to managing Alaska’s vast, remote federal lands. Her work ensures the agency’s mission of maintaining safe transportation networks and sustainable forest operations is supported through timely, compliant contracting. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions spanning civil engineering, forestry support, and facility maintenance, often navigating complex logistical and environmental constraints unique to Alaska’s terrain. Her role is central to enabling field operations by securing reliable contractors capable of operating in extreme conditions with minimal infrastructure. Koelling cultivates partnerships with a broad spectrum of vendors, particularly small businesses equipped to deliver specialized services in Alaska’s isolated regions. She frequently engages contractors with proven experience in remote construction, seasonal logistics, and ecological compliance, fostering long-term relationships with firms that understand the region’s operational demands. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her contracting patterns reflect a preference for vendors with regional presence, technical adaptability, and a track record of performance in austere environments. Her procurement strategy is heavily oriented toward small business participation, with nearly 70% of awards set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. She consistently prioritizes HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Small Businesses, aligning with federal socioeconomic goals while ensuring access to capable local vendors. This commitment enhances economic resilience in rural Alaskan communities and strengthens the agency’s ability to source responsive, community-rooted contractors. Koelling’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) and 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), reflecting the agency’s emphasis on forest access and transportation infrastructure. She also regularly procures professional services under 541990 and janitorial support under 561720, demonstrating broad expertise in both technical field operations and facility sustainment. Her domain knowledge spans environmental compliance, cold-weather construction standards, and Alaska-specific regulatory frameworks, making her a vital link between operational needs and effective contract execution.