Russ Walsh

Russ Walsh serves as Project Manager for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, overseeing the planning, execution, and contract administration of critical civil infrastructure projects across federally managed forest lands. In this role, he ensures alignment between operational needs and federal procurement regulations, managing acquisitions for trail systems, forest roads, bridges, ranger station upgrades, and wildfire mitigation structures. His work directly supports the U.S. Forest Service’s mission to maintain ecological integrity while enabling safe, sustainable public access. Walsh specializes in heavy civil construction contracting, coordinating with engineering and land management teams to translate field requirements into compliant, performance-based solicitations under FAR Part 36. Walsh maintains consistent partnerships with a core group of contractors, including YOUNG GUN CONSTRUCTION LLC, TK3, LLC, and KOMMODITIES CORP, all of whom have demonstrated proven capability in remote-site civil works and environmental compliance. His procurement approach emphasizes reliability, safety, and adaptability in challenging terrain, fostering long-term vendor relationships built on technical competence and adherence to federal environmental and labor standards. These contractors are frequently re-engaged for follow-on work due to their track record in delivering complex, mission-critical infrastructure under demanding conditions. A steadfast advocate for small business participation, Walsh directs 100% of his acquisitions toward total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, ensuring equitable access for qualified firms without requiring socioeconomic certifications beyond size standards. This consistent pattern reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen local and regional economic resilience while maintaining high performance benchmarks. His contracting portfolio is intentionally structured to maximize opportunities for small, capable firms with relevant experience in remote construction environments. His technical domain is exclusively focused on NAICS 237990—Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction—encompassing earthmoving, drainage systems, erosion control, timber bridge fabrication, and trail grading. Walsh’s expertise lies in procuring services that demand specialized knowledge of forest service standards, wetland mitigation, and wildland-urban interface engineering, ensuring all projects meet both functional and ecological requirements.