Rufus Ki Cole

Rufus K. Cole serves as a Contract Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Region 3 Southwestern Regional Office, where he manages the acquisition lifecycle for critical infrastructure and environmental services supporting the U.S. Forest Service’s public land stewardship mission. His portfolio encompasses civil works, facility maintenance, and sustainable forest management contracts, including trail and road resilience projects, water and sewer system upgrades, and visitor facility improvements. Cole ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurements with strategic agency priorities, balancing technical requirements with socioeconomic objectives to deliver mission-critical outcomes across a vast and diverse operational jurisdiction. Cole maintains consistent contracting relationships with GERMRIP LLC, a key vendor delivering specialized forestry support services, and collaborates with a broad network of small and mid-sized contractors experienced in environmental remediation, construction, and land management. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance accountability and regulatory compliance, fostering reliable delivery of services essential to forest infrastructure integrity and public safety. A strong advocate for small business participation, Cole consistently prioritizes set-aside opportunities, with nearly half of his acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. He actively promotes participation from Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and HUBZone firms, reflecting a deliberate commitment to equitable contracting and community-based economic development. His socioeconomic strategy aligns with federal mandates while enhancing regional workforce engagement and resilience. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry), where he sources specialized services such as prescribed burning, invasive species control, and forest inventory support. He also frequently procures commercial and institutional construction under NAICS 236220, alongside temporary staffing and research services in social sciences to inform land use planning. Cole’s expertise spans technical domains requiring environmental compliance, hazardous material handling, and public access infrastructure, making him a pivotal figure in sustaining the nation’s forest resources through strategic, mission-driven contracting.