Matthew J. Manning

Matthew J. Manning serves as Supervisory Contract Specialist within the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit of the U.S. Department of Education, where he oversees the procurement of professional services critical to advancing federal education policy, regulatory compliance, and institutional capacity. His portfolio centers on strategic acquisitions that support evidence-based decision-making in postsecondary education, including systems for federal student aid administration and national data collection infrastructure. Manning manages full lifecycle contracting actions—from market research and solicitation development to award and contract administration—ensuring alignment with FAR regulations and agency mission priorities. He specializes in complex service-based procurements requiring technical expertise and rigorous performance metrics. Manning maintains consistent working relationships with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a primary contractor providing analytical and policy support services. His procurement patterns reflect collaborative, performance-driven vendor partnerships focused on delivering high-quality, mission-critical consulting and technical assistance. These relationships are built on sustained engagement, clear deliverables, and adherence to federal acquisition standards, with an emphasis on outcomes over inputs. His contracting approach reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with approximately one-third of awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating active support for small business participation. The majority of acquisitions, however, remain open to all competitors, indicating a preference for competitive neutrality when small business capabilities align with technical requirements. Manning’s primary NAICS focus areas include 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), 812930 (Parking Lots and Garages), and 812990 (All Other Personal Services). While the latter two categories may appear atypical for an education agency, they reflect niche support functions tied to facility operations and ancillary services for educational programs. His technical expertise lies in procuring IT modernization services, data analytics, and specialized professional consulting that directly enable the Department’s operational and policy objectives.