Chase Cooper

Chase Cooper supports the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit within the U.S. Department of Education, where he plays a critical role in managing the procurement of professional services that advance evidence-based policy, regulatory compliance, and institutional capacity in postsecondary education. He oversees the acquisition lifecycle for consulting and research services essential to modernizing federal student aid systems, enhancing data collection infrastructure, and supporting educational research initiatives. His work centers on ensuring strategic alignment between procurement actions and the agency’s mission to strengthen the foundations of higher education through informed, transparent, and efficient contracting practices. Cooper maintains a primary working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing specialized analytical and policy support services. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established, high-capacity vendors with demonstrated expertise in education policy and research methodologies. While he engages with a limited number of core contractors, his approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, rigorous solicitation design, and consistent compliance with federal acquisition regulations. His contracting portfolio is overwhelmingly non-set-aside, with 85.7% of awards issued under full and open competition, reflecting a focus on technical merit and institutional capability over socioeconomic preferences. Nevertheless, he maintains a meaningful commitment to small business participation, with 14.3% of awards directed to 8(a) certified firms, demonstrating balanced adherence to both competition and socioeconomic objectives. Cooper’s acquisitions are heavily concentrated in NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities), reflecting a deep specialization in education policy analysis, institutional research, and behavioral science studies. He also routinely procures services under NAICS 541690 and 541611, securing expert consulting in technical evaluation, program management, and administrative systems optimization. His domain expertise lies at the intersection of federal education policy, data-driven decision-making, and compliance infrastructure.