Kathleen Martin-Asburay

Kathleen Martin-Asburay serves as a key procurement leader within the Indian Education Acquisition Office, operating under the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions designed to advance educational equity and cultural responsiveness for Native American students across tribal communities. Her responsibilities include planning, soliciting, and awarding contracts that support special education services, behavioral health integration, and the development of safe, functional learning environments. She routinely handles complex procurements spanning educational support, facility infrastructure, and student services, ensuring alignment with federal acquisition regulations and tribal sovereignty principles. Martin-Asburay maintains longstanding relationships with a select group of contractors, including RJS Construction Inc., Maguire Iron, Inc., and Tami Jollie-Trottier PhD PLLC, reflecting a pattern of engagement with specialized vendors offering construction, behavioral health consulting, and facility maintenance services. Her procurement approach prioritizes long-term partnerships with vendors who demonstrate cultural competency and a track record of delivering services in remote or underserved tribal settings. She frequently collaborates with small, locally rooted firms, including individual consultants and family-owned businesses, fostering trust and continuity in service delivery. Her contracting strategy is deeply rooted in socioeconomic inclusion, with nearly 60% of awards directed under the Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) set-aside program—a unique Department of the Interior initiative that prioritizes Native-owned enterprises. An additional 23% of contracts are awarded under the broader Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5), underscoring her commitment to amplifying opportunities for disadvantaged and tribally affiliated businesses. Her consistent use of ISBEE set-asides distinguishes her as a leader in culturally informed socioeconomic contracting. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Educational Support Services (611710), Plumbing and HVAC contracting (238220), and Food Service Contracts (722310), reflecting a holistic approach to student well-being. She procures specialized educational support systems, facility upgrades tailored to tribal climate needs, and culturally appropriate nutrition services, demonstrating technical expertise in integrating infrastructure, health, and pedagogical outcomes within federally funded tribal education programs.