Leslie C. Hughes

Leslie C. Hughes serves as a Contract Specialist for the Daniel Boone National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, managing the acquisition lifecycle for mission-critical services that support forest stewardship and public recreation. Responsible for soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts in compliance with FAR and USDA guidelines, Hughes ensures that procurement activities align with the agency’s goals of ecological preservation, infrastructure maintenance, and safe public access. Her portfolio primarily encompasses support activities for forestry operations, janitorial and sanitation services, landscaping, and septic system maintenance, with a strong emphasis on operational readiness and environmental compliance. Hughes collaborates closely with a diverse base of small business contractors, particularly those certified under socioeconomic programs, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance reliability and regulatory adherence. While specific contractor names are not disclosed, her procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with local and regional firms capable of delivering specialized services across Kentucky’s rugged terrain. Her working relationships are characterized by proactive communication, transparent evaluation criteria, and a focus on capacity-building among small and emerging vendors. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Hughes consistently prioritizes Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with 93.5% of her acquisitions reserved for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate and sustained commitment to economic inclusion and community-based contracting, aligning with federal mandates to expand opportunities for disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Her approach underscores the agency’s broader mission to empower local economies through strategic procurement. Her technical expertise centers on NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), which dominates her portfolio, alongside significant procurement in janitorial (561720), septic tank services (562991), and landscaping (561730). She brings deep familiarity with the operational demands of federal land management, ensuring that contracted services meet rigorous environmental and safety standards while supporting the sustainable use of public forest resources.