James Read

James Read serves as a key procurement lead within the Pacific Northwest Region of the Bureau of Reclamation, overseeing the acquisition of civil infrastructure and water resource projects critical to regional water security and hydropower operations. He manages a diverse portfolio of construction and engineering services contracts aligned with the agency’s mission to modernize dams, canals, and shoreline protections. His work ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing sustainable water infrastructure through strategic contracting practices. He routinely handles complex, multi-year acquisitions involving design-build, construction management, and technical services for federal water projects. Read maintains longstanding relationships with core contractors including Palouse Power LLC, McKenzie Construction & Site Development LLC, DJ&A, P.C., and Inter-Fluve, Inc.—firms with proven expertise in hydraulic structures, environmental remediation, and civil works engineering. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical rigor, and long-term operational reliability, fostering collaborative partnerships with vendors who demonstrate deep domain knowledge in water resource infrastructure. These relationships are built on consistent delivery, regulatory compliance, and adherence to federal construction standards. A strong advocate for small business inclusion, Read consistently prioritizes Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with over 83% of awards designated for small businesses. He actively supports socioeconomic programs, including Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business set-asides, ensuring equitable access to federal contracting opportunities. His procurement patterns reflect a deliberate commitment to expanding the participation of disadvantaged and locally based firms in high-impact infrastructure projects. His primary technical focus lies in NAICS categories related to water and sewer line construction, plumbing and HVAC systems, and related civil works. He procures specialized services for dam safety upgrades, canal rehabilitation, flood control structures, and associated mechanical systems, demonstrating deep familiarity with the technical and environmental demands of federal water infrastructure modernization.