Kelly Palmer

Kelly Palmer serves as the primary contracting lead for the 6982AF Central Federal Lands Division within the Federal Highway Administration, overseeing the acquisition of specialized engineering and testing services critical to maintaining transportation infrastructure across federally managed lands, including national parks, forests, and Native American territories. Responsible for planning, soliciting, and awarding contracts in alignment with federal procurement regulations, Palmer ensures that all projects support the agency’s mission of safe, durable, and sustainable access to remote federal properties. Their portfolio is exclusively focused on technical services related to civil engineering analysis, material testing, and infrastructure condition assessments, requiring precise adherence to federal standards and environmental compliance protocols. Palmer maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of experienced contractors including MARTIN BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, MCCULLOUGH CONSTRUCTION INC., WEST COAST CONTRACTORS, INC., S.T. RHODES CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED, and SEB ENGINEERING INC. These firms are regularly engaged for their proven expertise in field testing, geotechnical evaluations, and laboratory analysis of pavement and structural materials. The working relationship is characterized by repeat engagements based on technical proficiency, regulatory compliance, and timely performance, reflecting a preference for vendors with demonstrated experience in federal lands infrastructure projects. All procurements managed by Palmer are fully set-aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to maximizing small business participation. There is no use of other socioeconomic set-asides—every acquisition is reserved exclusively for small business concerns, reinforcing the agency’s dedication to fostering economic opportunity within the contracting community. The sole NAICS focus is 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), reflecting a specialized procurement domain centered on materials testing, soil analysis, asphalt and concrete certification, and non-destructive evaluation services. Palmer’s expertise lies in securing high-integrity technical services that support the structural integrity and long-term resilience of federal transportation assets, ensuring compliance with FHWA and ASTM standards.