Amanda E. Woodard

Amanda E. Woodard serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit of the U.S. Department of Education, where she plays a pivotal role in executing strategic procurements that advance federal education policy, research, and institutional capacity. She manages the full lifecycle of professional services contracts, with a focus on supporting evidence-based decision-making, regulatory compliance, and the modernization of federal student aid and data collection infrastructure. Her acquisitions primarily involve technical and administrative consulting services, data systems development, and related support functions critical to the Department’s mission of strengthening postsecondary education systems. Ms. Woodard maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing specialized expertise in education policy analysis and program evaluation. Her procurement approach reflects a preference for established vendors with demonstrated experience in federal education domains, while also fostering reliable partnerships with small businesses that bring niche technical capabilities to complex federal challenges. She engages contractors through competitive solicitations under FAR Part 15, emphasizing performance-based outcomes and clear statement of work requirements. Her contracting portfolio reflects a strong commitment to small business participation, with 25% of her awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, aligning with the agency’s socioeconomic goals. While the majority of her acquisitions are open to all competitors (75% No Set-Aside), she actively promotes equitable access for small businesses capable of delivering high-quality educational research and management services. Ms. Woodard’s primary procurement focus is on NAICS 511210—Software Publishers—which encompasses custom educational software, data analytics platforms, and digital content systems. She also frequently procures administrative management consulting services under NAICS 541611 and, to a lesser extent, nonresidential leasing under NAICS 531120. Her technical domain expertise lies in education data infrastructure, policy research support, and compliance-driven system modernization.