Kent R. Bernard

Kent R. Bernard serves as a Contract Specialist for the U.S. Army Engineer District Walla Walla, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical procurement actions aligned with the district’s civil and military engineering objectives. He manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for heavy civil infrastructure projects, including dams, levees, locks, and hydropower facilities, ensuring compliance with federal contracting regulations and operational readiness standards. His work directly supports the agency’s mandate to maintain resilient water resource systems across the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on complex construction and engineering services requiring precise technical oversight and risk mitigation. Bernard maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of experienced contractors, including JR MERIT, INC., NORTHBANK CIVIL AND MARINE, INC., NORTH WIND GENERAL CONTRACTORS LLC, KNIGHT CONST. & SUPPLY, INC., and TRANSCO INDUSTRIES, INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for firms with proven expertise in heavy civil construction, marine works, and site-specific engineering solutions. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, clear scope definition, and contractor accountability to ensure deliverables meet stringent federal engineering and safety standards. His contracting patterns demonstrate a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 45% of awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While no single socioeconomic category dominates, his portfolio consistently prioritizes small business eligibility, fostering opportunities for qualified firms to contribute to national infrastructure resilience. He actively leverages the Small Business Administration’s programs to enhance competition and promote equitable access to federal contracting opportunities. Bernard’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction), reflecting his specialization in large-scale public works projects involving earthmoving, hydraulic structures, and erosion control. He also regularly procures services under NAICS 238110 and 238910, supporting concrete foundation work and site preparation essential to dam and levee maintenance. His technical expertise centers on civil engineering construction, with deep familiarity in federal construction standards, geotechnical requirements, and environmental compliance frameworks.