Kelly Nolan

Kelly Nolan serves as a key procurement professional within the U.S. Forest Service’s Region 5 Pacific Southwest Region, supporting the agency’s mission to sustain the health and resilience of national forests and grasslands. Responsible for managing acquisitions aligned with ecological restoration and infrastructure maintenance, Nolan oversees contracts for technical services critical to wildfire mitigation, invasive species control, and recreational facility upkeep. Their work ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing environmental stewardship through strategic sourcing of specialized contractor services. Nolan collaborates with a diverse array of contractors specializing in environmental testing and specialty trade services, fostering partnerships with firms capable of delivering field-based ecological assessments, habitat restoration, and utility infrastructure support. While no single vendor dominates the portfolio, relationships are built on technical proficiency in forest science and field operations, with an emphasis on firms possessing demonstrated experience in public land management contexts. Vendor engagement is typically performance-based, prioritizing quality, timeliness, and adherence to federal environmental standards. A balanced approach to socioeconomic contracting is evident, with approximately half of acquisitions set aside for total small business participation under FAR 19.5, reflecting a strong commitment to small business inclusion. While no specific set-aside categories like 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB are predominant, the consistent use of small business set-asides underscores a deliberate strategy to expand economic opportunity within the environmental services sector. Nolan’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) and 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors), reflecting expertise in environmental monitoring, soil and water quality analysis, and on-site construction or restoration services. These categories support critical operations such as post-fire reforestation, trail and campground rehabilitation, and ecological surveying—demanding technical competence in natural resource management and federal land use compliance.