Karl M Lautzenheiser

Karl M. Lautzenheiser serves as a Contracting Officer for the Superior National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, where he manages the acquisition of critical services and construction projects essential to forest ecosystem management and wildfire resilience. His portfolio encompasses a broad range of procurements aligned with the agency’s mission of sustainable land use, fuels reduction, and infrastructure maintenance. Lautzenheiser routinely handles complex contracts for vegetation management, forest restoration, and public land infrastructure, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and environmental stewardship objectives. He plays a pivotal role in translating ecological priorities into actionable contracting strategies that support long-term forest health and public safety. Lautzenheiser maintains a consistent working relationship with Blue Ribbon Redevelopment Fund III LLC, a key contractor delivering specialized services in support of forest restoration and land management initiatives. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and contractor accountability, fostering partnerships with vendors capable of executing technical, field-based work under challenging environmental conditions. He engages with a mix of large and small entities, prioritizing contractors with demonstrated expertise in forestry operations, ecological restoration, and rural infrastructure development. His contracting patterns reflect a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with 30% of acquisitions set aside for total small business participation under FAR 19.5, while 70% remain open to all competitors. Although no specific socioeconomically targeted set-asides dominate his portfolio, his consistent use of small business set-asides demonstrates a deliberate effort to expand opportunities for qualified small firms in the forestry and land management sectors. Lautzenheiser’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) and 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), reflecting his specialization in forest infrastructure, fuels reduction, and ecological maintenance services. He also regularly procures landscaping services, water and sewer infrastructure, and commercial photography for resource documentation. His technical expertise spans wildfire mitigation, vegetation management, and sustainable land use practices, making him a key steward of federal environmental contracting within the Department of Agriculture.