Gary the Dillavou

Gary the Dillavou serves as a Contract Specialist with the USDA Forest Service–SPOC NW, where he manages the acquisition lifecycle for critical infrastructure and ecological restoration projects. His responsibilities include developing solicitation documents, conducting market research, evaluating proposals, and awarding contracts in alignment with federal procurement regulations. He plays a pivotal role in advancing the agency’s mission to sustain forest ecosystems through targeted infrastructure development, including trail and bridge rehabilitation, wildfire resilience systems, and remote facility maintenance. His acquisitions primarily support field operations and public safety, often involving complex, multi-year contracts requiring technical oversight and environmental compliance. Gary cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse pool of vendors, particularly those specializing in forestry support services and civil engineering. He regularly engages with small businesses and niche contractors experienced in ecological restoration, timber harvesting logistics, and remote construction in sensitive terrain. His working style emphasizes early vendor engagement, clear performance metrics, and post-award oversight to ensure mission-critical deliverables meet both operational and environmental standards. Gary demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly 53% of his awards directed toward small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, including a significant emphasis on HUBZone firms. His procurement patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to promote economic opportunity in rural and underserved communities, aligning with the Forest Service’s regional development goals. He consistently prioritizes small business participation while maintaining rigorous compliance with federal set-aside regulations. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), encompassing services such as vegetation management, fuel reduction, and ecological monitoring. He also frequently procures logging services under NAICS 113310 and heavy civil construction under NAICS 237310 for trail and bridge infrastructure. Gary’s technical expertise spans forest ecology, wildfire mitigation systems, and sustainable land management practices, positioning him as a key liaison between operational needs and contractor capabilities in the natural resources sector.