Hester M. Harper

Hester M. Harper serves as a Contracting Officer for the Public Buildings Service’s R2 Capital Construction Branch, where she leads the acquisition and management of complex construction and facility modernization projects critical to federal infrastructure. Responsible for ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations under the FAR, she oversees the full lifecycle of contracts for the design, construction, and renovation of federal courthouses, port of entry facilities, and office complexes. Her work directly supports the agency’s mission to deliver resilient, sustainable, and mission-ready federal buildings through strategic sourcing, risk mitigation, and performance-based contract administration. Harper maintains a strong working relationship with MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC, a primary contractor for commercial and institutional building projects under her purview. Her procurement approach emphasizes collaboration with experienced, high-performing vendors capable of delivering complex construction scopes under tight operational timelines. She fosters long-term partnerships with contractors who demonstrate technical proficiency, safety compliance, and consistent delivery of quality outcomes, often re-engaging them across multiple project phases and fiscal years. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced commitment to small business participation, with nearly half of her awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her acquisitions are open to all competitors, she consistently prioritizes small business eligibility and ensures equitable access to federal construction opportunities. Her approach aligns with GSA’s socioeconomic goals, promoting broad-based participation without compromising project integrity or schedule reliability. Harper’s primary technical focus lies in NAICS 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), where she manages everything from ground-up construction to major renovations of federal facilities. She also oversees related logistics services under NAICS 484210, including the secure relocation of government furnishings and equipment during facility transitions. Her expertise spans building systems integration, code compliance, and lifecycle management, making her a key steward of federal capital infrastructure modernization.