Keith David Friot

Keith David Friot serves as a Contracting Officer for the Southern Research Station under the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, where he manages the acquisition of critical infrastructure and operational support services essential to ecological research and forest management. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of field-based contracts designed to maintain and enhance the Station’s scientific capabilities, including facility maintenance, environmental compliance, and site-specific engineering services. Friot ensures procurement activities align with federal regulations and the agency’s mission to advance sustainable forestry through applied science, consistently prioritizing timely, compliant, and mission-driven contract execution. Friot maintains a strong working relationship with LSG Management, LLC, a primary contractor supporting a variety of field operations, and engages regularly with a diverse pool of small business vendors specializing in forestry support, janitorial, and landscaping services. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance reliability and regulatory adherence, fostering collaboration with contractors who understand the unique demands of conducting research in sensitive ecological environments. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Friot consistently structures solicitations to maximize small business set-asides, with 68% of his awards designated for total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and an additional 4% reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic goals, actively promoting opportunities for disadvantaged and locally rooted enterprises while maintaining rigorous performance standards. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), 561720 (Janitorial Services), and 561730 (Landscaping Services), with additional emphasis on heavy civil construction and roofing under NAICS 237990 and 238160. Friot’s expertise centers on acquiring services that sustain field research infrastructure, ensure environmental compliance, and support the operational readiness of remote research sites across the Southern region.