Jan Drum

Jan Drum serves as a Procurement Technician at the Ochoco National Forest, supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s mission to sustain healthy forest ecosystems through strategic acquisition of goods and services essential to ecological restoration and wildfire risk reduction. In this role, Jan facilitates the procurement of specialized equipment, materials, and technical services required for silvicultural operations, habitat enhancement, and fuel reduction projects. Working closely with field biologists and engineering staff, Jan ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning purchasing decisions with the agency’s operational priorities, including riparian restoration and infrastructure resilience initiatives. While specific contractor names are not available, Jan maintains consistent engagement with a diverse pool of vendors, particularly those capable of delivering niche forest management supplies and technical support services. The procurement pattern reflects a preference for vendors with expertise in wood products, industrial lubricants, and specialized manufacturing capabilities, often requiring custom or low-volume production. Relationships are built on reliability, regulatory compliance, and the ability to meet stringent environmental and safety standards for use in sensitive forest environments. Jan demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 82.6% of acquisitions designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize small businesses, including HUBZone and SDVOSB firms, to stimulate local economic development and ensure access to specialized regional vendors with knowledge of Pacific Northwest forest conditions. The consistent use of set-asides underscores a dedication to equitable contracting and community-based supplier engagement. The primary NAICS focus areas include 321999 for miscellaneous wood products used in trail and structure construction, 326121 for custom plastic components in field equipment, and 324191 for lubricants and greases suited for cold-weather forestry machinery. Though some NAICS codes appear atypical for a forest agency, they reflect procurement for specialized tools, protective gear, and maintenance supplies critical to field operations. Jan’s expertise lies in interpreting technical requirements and matching them with compliant, mission-appropriate vendors across these niche manufacturing sectors.