Nikisha Goins

Nikisha Goins 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 supporting evidence-based decision-making, regulatory compliance, and the modernization of federal student aid and data collection systems. Her acquisitions primarily involve complex, performance-based contracts for technical and analytical services critical to the Department’s mission, ensuring alignment with federal procurement regulations and strategic objectives. Goins maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing specialized expertise in education data systems and policy analysis. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with demonstrated experience in federal education environments, fostering long-term, performance-driven partnerships that prioritize accountability, innovation, and mission alignment. She engages with contractors through competitive solicitation processes, ensuring transparency and adherence to FAR guidelines while promoting continuous improvement in service delivery. Her contracting approach reflects a strong emphasis on open competition, with 83.3% of her awards issued without set-aside designations, reflecting a preference for broad market engagement. However, she consistently allocates 16.7% of her portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses in the education technology and support services sectors. Nikisha’s procurement focus centers on NAICS codes 541513 (Computer Facilities Management Services), 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), 541519 (Other Computer-Related Services), and 611710 (Educational Support Services), with additional activity in 511210 (Software Publishers). She specializes in acquiring IT infrastructure, data analytics platforms, and technical support services that enhance the operational efficiency and compliance posture of federal education programs, underscoring her technical expertise in digital transformation within the public education sector.