Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin 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 and institutional capacity. She manages the full lifecycle of professional services contracts, with a focus on custom software development and social science research initiatives that support federal student aid systems, data modernization, and regulatory compliance. Her work ensures that acquisitions align with agency priorities to strengthen evidence-based decision-making in postsecondary education, emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and mission-driven outcomes. Martin maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a trusted vendor delivering specialized technical and analytical services. Her procurement approach fosters long-term partnerships with contractors capable of supporting complex, mission-critical projects requiring deep domain expertise in education policy and data systems. She prioritizes collaboration with vendors who demonstrate agility, compliance with federal acquisition regulations, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, scalable solutions under performance-based contract structures. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity, with HUBZone and Total Small Business Set-Asides each accounting for half of her awarded actions. She actively leverages FAR 19.5 small business set-asides to ensure broad participation from disadvantaged and geographically underserved firms, reinforcing the agency’s mandate to promote equitable access to federal contracting opportunities. Martin’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities). She regularly acquires services related to software development for student data platforms, policy analysis tools, and longitudinal research studies that inform federal education programs. Her technical expertise centers on integrating secure, compliant digital systems with rigorous social science methodologies to support national education reporting and oversight.