James E. Wright

James E. Wright serves as a Program Assistant within the 693C73 Eastern Federal Lands Division of the Federal Highway Administration, supporting the planning, solicitation, and administration of transportation infrastructure contracts across federally managed lands. In this role, he facilitates the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for highway, bridge, and roadway projects, ensuring alignment with federal regulations and environmental stewardship goals. His responsibilities include coordinating with project engineers, preparing acquisition documentation, and managing contractor compliance to deliver safe, resilient transportation systems on national forests and public rights-of-way. Wright’s work is integral to executing the Division’s mission of maintaining critical infrastructure while preserving ecological integrity. Wright maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of experienced contractors including ESTES BROS. CONST. INC., BLUEGRASS CONTRACTING CORP, BRYANT’S LAND AND DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIES, INC., TERRA SITE CONSTRUCTORS LLC, and ASPEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. These firms are regularly engaged for their proven expertise in heavy civil construction, earthwork, drainage systems, and pavement restoration within sensitive environmental zones. His procurement approach emphasizes reliability, safety compliance, and performance history, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors who demonstrate technical proficiency and adherence to federal construction standards. Wright’s procurement portfolio reflects a strict preference for open competition, with 100% of acquisitions issued under no set-aside status. While small business participation is not formally mandated through 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, he ensures all solicitations are structured to allow equitable access, and small businesses are encouraged to compete based on technical merit and past performance. His primary focus is on NAICS 237310 — Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction — encompassing full-scope civil works including grading, culvert installation, retaining wall construction, and asphalt paving. Wright’s expertise lies in managing complex, multi-phase infrastructure projects that require coordination with environmental agencies and adherence to federal highway design standards.