DeShonjla Peterson

DeShonjla Peterson serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit of the Department of Education, where she plays a pivotal role in executing strategic procurements that advance federal education policy and institutional capacity. She manages the full lifecycle of professional services contracts, ensuring alignment with FAR regulations and agency priorities in postsecondary education, regulatory compliance, and student aid infrastructure. Her acquisitions primarily support data systems modernization, policy research, and training initiatives, with a focus on consulting, analytical, and capacity-building services that enhance the Department’s operational effectiveness. Peterson maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing management and policy advisory services. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with demonstrated expertise in education-sector consulting, though she actively cultivates a diverse supplier base to meet technical and compliance requirements. She engages vendors through competitive solicitation methods including RFPs and RFQs, emphasizing performance-based outcomes and measurable deliverables in all contract actions. While the majority of her acquisitions—71.4%—are conducted without set-asides, she consistently supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, accounting for 28.6% of her portfolio. This reflects a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals, ensuring equitable access for small businesses without favoring specific categories like 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, but rather prioritizing overall small business capability and capacity. Her primary NAICS focus areas include 541611 and 541618 (management consulting services), 611430 (professional development training), and 541219 (accounting services), with an additional 16.7% in 512110 (motion picture and video production) to support educational outreach and communication. She specializes in procuring technical, analytical, and instructional services that strengthen federal education data systems, compliance frameworks, and workforce development initiatives.