Kelly B Updegraff

Kelly B. Updegraff serves as a Contract Specialist within the Southern Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, where she manages the acquisition lifecycle for mission-critical infrastructure and operational support services. Her role centers on ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing the Station’s scientific and conservation objectives through timely, transparent contracting. She routinely handles complex procurements for field research support, environmental compliance infrastructure, and site maintenance services, aligning acquisitions with the agency’s strategic priorities in forest health monitoring and ecological research readiness. Updegraff maintains a consistent working relationship with LSG Management, LLC, a key vendor providing specialized forestry support services. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established contractors with proven expertise in rural and remote-site operations, fostering long-term partnerships that ensure continuity in field logistics, equipment maintenance, and environmental stewardship. She collaborates closely with technical stakeholders to define performance-based requirements and evaluates vendor capabilities through rigorous source selection processes. A strong advocate for small business participation, Updegraff consistently prioritizes small business set-asides, with nearly 80% of her acquisitions designated under FAR 19.5 for Total Small Business Set-Asides. She also actively incorporates HUBZone set-asides, reflecting a deliberate commitment to economic development in underserved rural communities. Her contracting approach emphasizes socioeconomic goals without compromising technical performance or mission needs. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Support Activities for Forestry, Highway and Bridge Construction, and Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, underscoring her expertise in procuring field infrastructure, access road maintenance, and site-specific engineering services. She also regularly manages janitorial and equipment leasing contracts essential to sustaining research station operations. Updegraff’s technical acumen spans environmental compliance, remote-site logistics, and sustainable resource management, making her a pivotal figure in enabling the Southern Research Station’s scientific mission through strategic procurement.