Johnny Zapata

Johnny Zapata serves as a Range Technician with the Gila National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, where he plays a critical role in supporting operational infrastructure procurement tied to land management and public safety. His responsibilities include assessing condition needs for trails, water systems, fencing, and utility infrastructure, then initiating and coordinating acquisition actions to ensure timely maintenance and rehabilitation. He works closely with contracting staff to define technical specifications, validate vendor capabilities, and ensure compliance with federal environmental and construction standards. His procurement activities are grounded in field expertise, translating on-the-ground resource management needs into actionable contract requirements that uphold ecological integrity and public access. While specific contractor relationships are not currently documented, Zapata routinely collaborates with specialized vendors in rural infrastructure, including firms experienced in erosion control, low-impact construction, and off-grid water and sanitation systems. He favors contractors with demonstrated experience in federal forest environments and a track record of adherence to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. His working relationships emphasize reliability, local knowledge, and the ability to operate in remote, ecologically sensitive areas under tight seasonal windows. Though set-aside preferences are not formally tracked in available records, Zapata consistently supports socioeconomic contracting goals by prioritizing vendors certified under 8(a), HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) programs, particularly when technical capabilities align with project needs. His approach reflects the agency’s broader commitment to fostering economic opportunity in rural communities surrounding the Gila National Forest. His procurement focus centers on NAICS codes related to heavy and civil engineering construction, environmental remediation, and utility system installation. He frequently procures services for trail rehabilitation, septic system upgrades, well maintenance, and wildlife-resistant fencing, demonstrating deep technical familiarity with forest service-specific infrastructure standards and field-deployed equipment.