Erik M. Robertson

Erik M. Robertson serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit of the U.S. Department of Education, where he plays a pivotal role in executing strategic procurements that advance federal education policy, research, and institutional capacity. He 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. His acquisitions primarily involve technical and analytical services critical to improving postsecondary education outcomes and strengthening the federal education data ecosystem. Robertson maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing specialized research and policy analysis services. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and outcome-driven deliverables, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors capable of delivering high-quality, data-informed solutions. He engages with a mix of large firms and small businesses, prioritizing contract clarity, accountability, and alignment with agency mission objectives. His set-aside preferences reflect a strong emphasis on open competition, with 76.9% of acquisitions conducted without socioeconomic set-asides. However, he actively supports small business participation through 8(a) competed contracts (15.4%) and Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 (7.7%), demonstrating a balanced commitment to both efficiency and socioeconomic goals in federal contracting. Robertson’s procurement portfolio is heavily concentrated in NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities), reflecting his specialization in educational policy analysis and evaluation services. He also regularly procures services under NAICS 519190 (Other Information Services) and 611710 (Educational Support Services), indicating deep expertise in data systems, research support, and institutional capacity-building initiatives. His technical domain centers on the application of social science research to federal education programs.