Richard Paulk

Richard Paulk serves as a Civil Engineer with the Lincoln National Forest under the U.S. Forest Service, where he plays a pivotal role in planning, evaluating, and overseeing infrastructure acquisitions critical to forest stewardship. His responsibilities include managing the procurement of civil engineering services for road and trail maintenance, erosion control structures, and flood mitigation systems that support ecological resilience and public access. Paulk ensures all acquisitions align with federal procurement regulations and agency priorities for sustainable land management, frequently engaging in design-build and performance-based contracting methods to deliver durable, environmentally compliant infrastructure. He works closely with field personnel and environmental specialists to translate operational needs into technically sound solicitation requirements. While no specific contractor relationships are currently documented, Paulk routinely engages with firms specializing in heavy civil construction and engineering design, fostering partnerships with vendors capable of operating in remote, ecologically sensitive terrains. His procurement approach emphasizes contractor experience with federal environmental compliance, such as NEPA and ESA requirements, and values firms with proven track records in forested and mountainous environments. He prioritizes technical competency and safety compliance over cost alone, ensuring long-term infrastructure integrity. Paulk’s contracting patterns reflect a strong commitment to small business participation, with 28.6% of acquisitions set aside for total small businesses under FAR 19.5. While no specific socioeconomic set-asides like 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB are predominant, his portfolio consistently creates opportunities for small firms with demonstrated expertise in civil infrastructure within federal lands. His approach supports broader USDA goals of economic development in rural communities through targeted contracting. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction) and 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction), with supplementary needs in architectural services (541310). He specializes in procuring earthwork, drainage systems, retaining structures, and trail alignment projects, leveraging technical knowledge in geotechnical engineering and hydraulic design to ensure projects meet both engineering standards and ecological preservation objectives.