Katherine M Kuharski

Katherine M. Kuharski serves as a Procurement Technician for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s mission to maintain critical infrastructure across federally protected lands. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for construction, maintenance, and forestry support services, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and agency priorities. Her responsibilities include preparing solicitation documents, evaluating vendor proposals, coordinating with technical staff, and administering contracts for projects ranging from trail and bridge repairs to wildfire mitigation and forest ecosystem stewardship. Kuharski plays a vital link between operational needs and contractor execution, ensuring timely and compliant delivery of services essential to public safety and resource conservation. She maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including YOUNG GUN CONSTRUCTION LLC, TK3, LLC, and KOMMODITIES CORP, which provide specialized expertise in heavy civil construction, forestry support, and wood product supply. These partnerships reflect a pattern of engagement with firms experienced in remote-site operations and environmentally sensitive construction practices. Kuharski prioritizes vendors with proven capabilities in navigating challenging terrain and adhering to federal environmental standards, fostering reliable, performance-based relationships that align with the Forest Service’s operational demands. Kuharski’s procurement portfolio reflects a balanced commitment to small business participation, with 42.9% of awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, while 57.1% remain open to all competitors. This approach supports broad market access while actively promoting opportunities for small businesses, particularly those with experience in rural and federally managed landscapes. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a deliberate effort to leverage socioeconomic programs without compromising mission-critical delivery timelines or technical requirements. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), followed by 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), 238170 (Siding Contractors), and 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction). She regularly procures services related to trail maintenance, erosion control, structural repairs, and forest fuel reduction, demonstrating deep familiarity with the technical demands of managing infrastructure in ecologically sensitive, high-traffic wilderness areas.