Jeffrey Gardner

Jeffrey Gardner serves as a secondary procurement liaison within the Incident Procurement Logistics unit of the U.S. Forest Service, supporting rapid-response logistics for wildland fire operations. He facilitates the acquisition of mission-critical equipment including fire-resistant textiles, aerial ignition systems, tactical shelters, and field-deployable suppression tools essential for National Type 2 Firefighter Crews. While not the primary contracting officer, Gardner plays a vital role in requirement development, vendor coordination, and contract administration, ensuring procurement actions align with the agency’s emergency response timelines and operational safety standards. His work bridges field needs with acquisition policy, enabling timely delivery of specialized gear under dynamic incident conditions. Gardner maintains a consistent working relationship with ONTIC ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING, INC, a key supplier of engineered fire suppression and logistical support systems. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capabilities in ruggedized field equipment and rapid-turnaround manufacturing. He collaborates closely with contractors to ensure compliance with federal specifications for fire-resistant materials and military-grade durability, often engaging in pre-solicitation outreach to validate technical feasibility and supply chain readiness. He exhibits a strong commitment to small business participation, with 100% of his supported acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate a resilient vendor base of qualified small firms capable of meeting the unique demands of wildland fire response. His contracting patterns consistently prioritize socioeconomic programs that empower small businesses with relevant technical expertise. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), where he secures specialized forestry support services and equipment. He also engages contractors in NAICS 237310 and 237990 for infrastructure support near incident zones, and occasionally procures janitorial and medical laboratory services to sustain field operations. His domain expertise centers on mission-critical, high-reliability procurement in austere environments.