Russ Walsh

Russ Walsh serves as Project Manager for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, overseeing the planning, solicitation, and execution of infrastructure projects critical to public safety and ecological stewardship. In this role, he manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for trail maintenance, road repair, bridge construction, and wildfire mitigation systems, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations and agency mission priorities. His work directly supports the U.S. Forest Service’s mandate to sustainably manage over 3 million acres of federally protected land, balancing recreational access with environmental resilience through targeted contracting efforts. Walsh maintains consistent partnerships with a select group of specialty trade contractors, including Young Gun Construction LLC, TK3, LLC, and Kommodities Corp, all of which have demonstrated proven expertise in remote-site construction and forest infrastructure services. These relationships are built on reliability, technical proficiency in rugged terrain operations, and adherence to environmental compliance standards. He prioritizes vendors with field experience in high-altitude, ecologically sensitive areas, fostering long-term collaborations that ensure quality outcomes and operational continuity across seasonal project cycles. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Walsh exclusively utilizes Total Small Business Set-Aside authorities under FAR 19.5, ensuring all solicitations are reserved for small businesses meeting SBA size standards. This consistent approach reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen local economic resilience and promote equitable access to federal contracting opportunities within rural and forest-adjacent communities. His procurement focus is narrowly concentrated on NAICS 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors), reflecting deep expertise in specialized, non-standardized construction tasks such as retaining wall installation, erosion control systems, and non-motorized trail development. He specializes in procuring services requiring technical knowledge of forest service standards, wilderness construction protocols, and sustainable land-use practices, making him a key steward of infrastructure that harmonizes public access with ecological preservation.