Matt Kilford

Matt Kilford serves as a key procurement lead within the U.S. Forest Service’s Region 3 Southwestern Regional Office, overseeing acquisitions critical to sustaining forest infrastructure and public land stewardship. Responsible for managing civil works and environmental service contracts, he specializes in procuring materials and systems that ensure the resilience of trails, roads, water systems, and visitor facilities. His procurement portfolio centers on mission-critical infrastructure components requiring technical precision and environmental compliance, aligning directly with the agency’s strategic goals of sustainable resource management and public access enhancement. Kilford’s acquisitions are predominantly governed by FAR Part 36 and frequently involve complex engineering specifications for long-term durability in remote, high-use natural environments. Kilford maintains a consistent working relationship with GERMRIP LLC, a primary contractor delivering specialized plastics piping and fitting systems essential for water conveyance and sewer infrastructure in forested regions. His procurement approach emphasizes vendor reliability, technical alignment with Forest Service standards, and adherence to environmental performance benchmarks. He engages with contractors through competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, prioritizing vendors with demonstrated experience in remote-site installation and compliance with NFPA and EPA guidelines for water system integrity. Kilford’s contracting patterns reflect a 100% commitment to small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, ensuring that all eligible procurements are reserved exclusively for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster regional economic development and build capacity among local suppliers with expertise in forest infrastructure. His approach consistently leverages the full range of socioeconomic programs, with a strong preference for small businesses capable of meeting stringent technical and logistical demands in challenging terrains. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 326122 — Plastics Pipe and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing — where he sources engineered polymer systems for potable water, stormwater, and wastewater conveyance in remote forest service facilities. Kilford’s technical expertise lies in specifying high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and other corrosion-resistant piping solutions that meet USDA Forest Service Engineering Handbook standards, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance in harsh environmental conditions.