Kathleen A. Benson

Kathleen A. Benson serves as a Contracting Officer for the R1 Regional Office of the U.S. Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, where she manages mission-critical acquisitions supporting forest health, wildfire mitigation, and infrastructure resilience across remote and ecologically sensitive regions. Her procurement portfolio centers on operational support services and specialized transportation logistics essential to maintaining public access and facility functionality in challenging terrains. She oversees the full lifecycle of contracts—from solicitation and evaluation to award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and alignment with the agency’s strategic priorities in resource stewardship and public safety. While specific contractor names are not publicly available, Benson consistently engages with vendors capable of delivering niche logistical and equipment leasing solutions tailored to the unique demands of federal land management. Her working relationships emphasize technical proficiency in aviation and transportation support, fostering partnerships with firms experienced in operating in austere environments and meeting stringent federal safety and environmental standards. Benson demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 66.7% of her acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate focus on expanding economic opportunity through socioeconomic programs, consistently prioritizing small business eligibility and ensuring equitable access to federal contracting opportunities for disadvantaged and locally based vendors. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 481212 (Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation) and 532411 (Commercial Air, Rail, and Water Transportation Equipment Rental and Leasing), reflecting her specialization in aerial logistics and specialized equipment support for field operations. She procures services including air cargo transport, remote-area vehicle leasing, and mission-critical mobility solutions that enable Forest Service personnel to conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, and maintain trails and roads in inaccessible regions. Her expertise ensures that logistical capabilities directly support the agency’s ecological and public safety missions.