Patty H. Nash

Patty H. Nash serves as a Purchasing Agent for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, where she manages the acquisition of goods and services critical to ecological restoration and forest management. Her role supports the agency’s mission of wildfire risk reduction, invasive species control, and infrastructure maintenance by ensuring timely, compliant procurement of specialized equipment, contractor services, and operational supplies. She handles a diverse portfolio of acquisitions ranging from mechanical thinning tools and prescribed burning materials to janitorial and specialty trade services, aligning all purchases with federal contracting regulations and environmental stewardship goals. Patty collaborates closely with a network of vendors specializing in forestry support, industrial equipment distribution, and specialty trade contracting. Her procurement patterns reflect strong engagement with regional and national suppliers capable of delivering field-ready equipment, logistical support, and ecological restoration services. She maintains consistent, transparent vendor relationships grounded in competitive bidding and performance-based contract administration, prioritizing reliability and technical competence in contractors serving remote forest environments. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Patty consistently directs over 60% of her acquisitions toward Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a robust commitment to socioeconomic contracting. She also engages HUBZone contractors, albeit at a modest rate, reflecting targeted support for businesses located in economically distressed areas. Her procurement strategy actively promotes equitable access for small, local, and disadvantaged firms aligned with the Forest Service’s community and environmental justice objectives. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), which includes prescribed burning, hand piling, and forest health services, followed by industrial machinery wholesalers and specialty trade contractors for infrastructure and equipment needs. She also procures janitorial services for ranger stations and visitor facilities, and specialized measuring devices used in ecological monitoring. Patty’s expertise lies in aligning technical procurement requirements with on-the-ground forest management priorities, ensuring that every acquisition advances both operational efficiency and ecological resilience.