Michael E. Carico

Michael E. Carico serves as Supervisory Contract Specialist for the Western Zone of the U.S. Forest Service, where he leads the acquisition strategy for critical land stewardship and infrastructure initiatives. In this role, he oversees the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal regulations and alignment with the agency’s mission of ecological sustainability and public safety. His portfolio primarily includes contracts for forestry support, trail and road maintenance, habitat restoration, and facility operations, requiring deep technical understanding of natural resource management and construction standards. Carico cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse range of contractors, particularly those experienced in environmental compliance, site preparation, and public lands infrastructure. He works closely with specialty trade contractors, janitorial and maintenance vendors, and forestry support firms to deliver mission-critical services across federal forest lands. His approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and clear deliverables, fostering accountability and operational efficiency among vendors. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Carico consistently prioritizes socioeconomic set-asides, with approximately 75.5% of his acquisitions designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He actively promotes opportunities for 8(a) certified firms and ensures competitive pathways for disadvantaged businesses, reflecting a robust commitment to equitable access and economic inclusion in federal contracting. His procurement focus centers on NAICS codes 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), and 561720 (Janitorial Services), reflecting the Western Zone’s operational needs in wildfire mitigation, trail accessibility, and facility upkeep. Carico brings specialized expertise in managing complex, multi-year contracts for environmental services and light construction, ensuring that acquisitions directly support sustainable land management and public safety objectives across national forest systems.