Matthew Gagnon

Matthew Gagnon serves as a Contracting Officer for the Tahoe National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, where he manages the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions to support ecological stewardship, wildfire mitigation, and infrastructure resilience. His portfolio centers on mission-critical contracts for forest restoration, trail and road maintenance, and operational support services, ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and federal procurement regulations. Gagnon plays a pivotal role in aligning contracting strategies with the agency’s priorities for sustainable land management and public safety, frequently coordinating with field personnel to translate operational needs into enforceable, performance-based solicitations. Gagnon cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including specialized forestry support contractors, civil engineering firms, and local service providers with deep regional expertise. He prioritizes vendors with proven experience in federal environmental compliance, hazardous fuel reduction, and heavy civil construction in rugged terrain. His working relationships are characterized by transparency, rigorous performance monitoring, and a commitment to contractor accountability under fixed-price and cost-reimbursement arrangements. Gagnon demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly 46% of his awards designated for small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He consistently prioritizes Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and HUBZone contractors, reflecting a deliberate strategy to promote economic opportunity in rural communities adjacent to national forest lands. His procurement patterns align with federal goals to increase participation from underserved small businesses while maintaining high standards for technical capability and mission readiness. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) and 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), encompassing vegetation management, erosion control, trail rehabilitation, and heavy equipment operations. He also procures janitorial and site preparation services to sustain forest service facilities. Gagnon’s expertise lies in integrating environmental compliance, safety protocols, and performance metrics into acquisition planning, ensuring that every contract advances the Tahoe National Forest’s mission of ecological resilience and public access.