Richard Sparks - Technical Contact

Richard Sparks serves as the Technical Contact for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s mission to preserve ecological integrity and cultural heritage through strategic infrastructure maintenance and restoration. While not a contracting officer, he plays a critical role in defining technical requirements, evaluating contractor performance, and ensuring compliance with environmental and accessibility standards for all acquired goods and services. His expertise guides the agency’s procurement decisions for specialized trade work, particularly in trail rehabilitation, overlook construction, restroom modernization, and low-impact visitor facility upgrades that align with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and historic preservation guidelines. Sparks collaborates closely with a network of small, locally rooted specialty trade contractors who possess demonstrated experience in sensitive natural environments. He fosters long-term partnerships with vendors capable of executing precision work under strict ecological constraints, often requiring adherence to seasonal restrictions and non-intrusive construction techniques. His working relationships emphasize reliability, environmental stewardship, and responsiveness to field conditions, ensuring that contracted services meet both technical specifications and conservation objectives. The agency maintains a 100% small business set-aside preference under FAR 19.5, reflecting a strong institutional commitment to socioeconomic equity and regional economic development. Sparks actively supports this policy by prioritizing contracts awarded to small businesses, including HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Small Businesses, ensuring that procurement opportunities directly benefit communities adjacent to the scenic area. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors), encompassing specialized services such as stone masonry, native vegetation restoration, boardwalk installation, and adaptive reuse of historic structures. He possesses deep technical knowledge in sustainable construction practices, erosion control, and low-impact development, ensuring all acquisitions support the Gorge’s mission of balancing public access with environmental preservation.