Michele Thompson

Michele Thompson serves as a Contracting Officer within the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit of the Department of Education, where she manages the procurement of professional services critical to advancing federal education policy, research, and institutional capacity. Her portfolio centers on strategic acquisitions that support evidence-based decision-making, regulatory compliance, and the modernization of federal student aid and data collection systems. She routinely handles complex service contracts under FAR Part 12 and Part 37, emphasizing performance-based acquisition methods and outcome-driven requirements to ensure alignment with national educational objectives. Thompson maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing management and policy advisory services. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established, high-performing vendors with demonstrated expertise in educational research and administrative consulting, while also fostering competitive environments that encourage new entrants. She engages with a mix of large and small business contractors, prioritizing clarity in statement of work development and rigorous source selection processes to ensure technical excellence and mission alignment. Her contracting approach demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic goals, with nearly 43% of her awards issued as no-set-aside actions and nearly 29% designated as HUBZone set-asides. She also regularly utilizes Total Small Business Set-Asides and 8(a) competed contracts, reflecting a balanced strategy that promotes broad small business participation while maintaining competitive integrity under FAR Part 19. Her pattern indicates deliberate efforts to expand opportunities for disadvantaged and geographically underserved firms. Thompson’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting) and 541690 (Scientific and Technical Consulting), with significant activity in research services under 541720 and computer-related support under 541519. She specializes in acquiring analytical, policy evaluation, and systems modernization services that enhance the Department’s capacity to manage federal education programs through data-driven insights and operational efficiency.