MIchael T. McCarthy

Michael T. McCarthy serves as a Contract Specialist at the U.S. Forest Service’s R10 Alaska Regional Office, where he manages the acquisition of critical infrastructure and operational support services essential to maintaining federal land access in Alaska’s remote and ecologically sensitive regions. His procurement portfolio centers on transportation, facility maintenance, and logistical support contracts that enable safe and sustainable public land management. McCarthy ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurements with the agency’s strategic priorities in road and bridge construction, coastal transportation, and facility operations across challenging terrain. McCarthy collaborates with a diverse range of contractors, including small businesses with specialized expertise in Alaska’s unique environmental and logistical conditions. He works closely with firms experienced in remote construction, marine logistics, and seasonal facility support, fostering partnerships that prioritize local knowledge and operational resilience. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for vendors with proven experience in Arctic and subarctic environments, ensuring that delivered services meet rigorous safety and sustainability standards. A strong advocate for socioeconomic contracting, McCarthy consistently prioritizes small business participation, with over 64% of his awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He actively promotes HUBZone contracting, accounting for nearly 22% of his awards, and ensures opportunities for disadvantaged and geographically underserved businesses. His procurement strategy is intentionally structured to expand economic inclusion while enhancing local workforce capacity in Alaska’s rural communities. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), reflecting his specialization in transportation infrastructure projects. He also regularly procures coastal passenger and freight transportation services (NAICS 483113/483114), as well as building support services (NAICS 561790 and 561990). McCarthy brings deep technical expertise in managing complex, mission-critical acquisitions that demand adaptive planning, environmental compliance, and coordination with tribal and state partners.