Eduardo Cortez

Eduardo Cortez serves as a key procurement specialist within the Stewardship Contracting Branch of the U.S. Forest Service, supporting the agency’s mission to advance sustainable forest management through integrated ecological restoration and resource utilization. In his secondary role, he facilitates the planning, solicitation, and administration of stewardship contracts that combine timber harvesting with watershed protection, fuel reduction, and infrastructure maintenance. His work ensures compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Stewardship Contracting Authority, enabling landscape-scale projects that enhance forest resilience while generating renewable timber revenue. Cortez typically handles complex, multi-objective acquisitions under FAR Part 37 and 16.5, prioritizing performance-based outcomes over traditional commodity procurement. He maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of experienced contractors including Brink Brothers Inc., Peak Engineering LLC, Miller Timber Services, Inc., AZ Hammer Down, LLC, and Dennis Kirby, all of whom specialize in forest restoration, heavy equipment operations, and silvicultural services. These partnerships reflect a preference for contractors with proven field expertise in ecological restoration, timber extraction, and trail or road maintenance, often requiring specialized certifications and equipment for remote, high-risk environments. Cortez fosters long-term, performance-driven vendor relationships grounded in technical competence and environmental stewardship. Cortez’s contracting patterns show a strong preference for open competition, with 75% of acquisitions issued without set-aside restrictions, while 25% are structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a balanced approach that prioritizes capability and scale while still actively promoting small business participation in forest stewardship efforts. He does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, instead favoring broad small business eligibility to ensure competitive, qualified responses. His procurement focus is overwhelmingly centered on NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), encompassing activities such as fuels reduction, invasive species control, and forest road rehabilitation. A smaller portion of acquisitions falls under NAICS 339999 (All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing), primarily for custom-built forestry equipment or specialized fuel treatment tools. Cortez’s expertise lies in procuring technical, field-based services that require deep ecological knowledge and operational adaptability in challenging terrain.