Michael Rago

Michael Rago, Undersheriff of the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, oversees the operational and logistical procurement functions critical to maintaining the safety, security, and humane operation of county detention facilities. In his primary role, he directs the acquisition of specialized infrastructure, inmate apparel, and facility maintenance equipment, ensuring compliance with correctional standards and regulatory requirements. His procurement responsibilities center on capital improvements and mission-critical upgrades to detention infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on structural integrity and long-term operational sustainability. He serves as the key decision-maker for construction-related contracts that support the agency’s core mission of institutional safety and regulatory compliance. Rago maintains strategic partnerships with licensed civil construction contractors specializing in water, sewer, and related infrastructure systems. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with demonstrated experience in public-sector correctional facility upgrades, including those with expertise in plumbing, drainage, and sanitary systems. Vendor relationships are typically formed through competitive sealed bidding and negotiated contracts, with an emphasis on quality assurance, timely delivery, and adherence to state and federal building codes. Rago’s contracting activity is exclusively non-set-aside, with 100% of procurements awarded under open competition without socioeconomic preferences such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB designations. While small business participation is not formally prioritized, all vendors are evaluated on technical capability, past performance, and compliance with public works standards, ensuring equitable access for all qualified bidders. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 237110—Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction—reflecting deep expertise in civil infrastructure projects essential to correctional facility operations. He routinely manages the acquisition of underground utilities, wastewater conveyance systems, stormwater management, and related structural enhancements, demonstrating specialized knowledge in construction specifications, bid evaluation criteria, and public works compliance under New York State regulations.