Merrill Foster

Merrill Foster serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit of the U.S. Department of Education, where they play a pivotal role in executing strategic procurements that advance federal education policy and institutional capacity. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of professional services contracts, Foster ensures alignment with federal acquisition regulations and supports mission-critical initiatives in postsecondary education, regulatory compliance, and student aid infrastructure. Their portfolio primarily encompasses complex service-based acquisitions requiring technical expertise in data systems, financial processing, and training solutions, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based outcomes and regulatory integrity. Foster maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing specialized consulting and systems design services. Their procurement approach emphasizes collaborative vendor engagement, fostering long-term partnerships with firms capable of delivering scalable, compliant solutions tailored to the Department’s evolving educational technology and data management needs. These relationships are built on performance accountability, clear deliverables, and adherence to federal standards for service delivery. Set-aside preferences reflect a balanced commitment to small business participation, with 40% of acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, while 60% remain open to all competitors. This pattern demonstrates a deliberate effort to expand opportunities for small businesses without compromising competition or mission requirements, aligning with broader Departmental goals for equitable access and innovation. Foster’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), reflecting a strong emphasis on modernizing education data systems and digital infrastructure. Additional emphasis is placed on NAICS 522320 (financial transactions processing), 423430 (computer software wholesaling), and 611430 (professional training), underscoring expertise in integrated technology, financial compliance tools, and workforce development solutions critical to federal education operations.