Lisa Grace Kestel

Lisa Grace Kestel serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex construction acquisitions, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations and aligning contracts with mission-critical infrastructure objectives. She plays a pivotal role in executing competitive solicitation processes, evaluating technical proposals, and negotiating contractual terms for large-scale civil engineering projects. Her portfolio primarily encompasses heavy and civil construction services, with a focus on water and sewer infrastructure development, reflecting her deep understanding of engineering specifications, performance standards, and construction risk management. Kestel works closely with project engineers, legal advisors, and acquisition teams to deliver timely, compliant, and cost-effective solutions that support public works priorities. Kestel’s contractor relationships are characterized by engagement with a broad base of qualified general contractors and specialty subcontractors experienced in civil infrastructure delivery. She routinely collaborates with firms possessing proven track records in heavy construction, pipeline installation, and earthwork operations, prioritizing technical capability, safety compliance, and past performance over vendor size. Her procurement approach emphasizes fair and open competition, with no formal set-aside preferences, resulting in awards awarded under full and open competition across the industry. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong emphasis on full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without socioeconomic set-asides, including 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB designations. This underscores her focus on selecting the most technically qualified offerors based on merit, rather than socioeconomic criteria, while still maintaining rigorous oversight of small business subcontracting plans where applicable. Kestel’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) and NAICS 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction), where she procures services such as roadway grading, stormwater management systems, aqueduct rehabilitation, and underground utility installation. Her technical expertise spans construction methodologies, geotechnical requirements, and federal infrastructure standards, positioning her as a trusted advisor in civil works acquisition.