Sharon Masciana

Sharon K. Masciana 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 research, data systems, and educational support services that underpin federal student aid programs and evidence-based decision-making. Her work ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurement outcomes with the agency’s mission to strengthen postsecondary education infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Masciana maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a primary contractor providing specialized analytical and policy support services. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established, high-capacity vendors with demonstrated expertise in education research and program evaluation, though she actively engages a diverse pool of firms to meet technical and operational needs. Her approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and clear statement of work development to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes. Her set-aside preferences reveal a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 27% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her acquisitions remain open to all competitors, her consistent use of small business set-asides demonstrates a deliberate effort to expand opportunities for qualified small firms within the education services sector. Masciana’s procurement portfolio is heavily concentrated in NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities), reflecting her focus on studies evaluating educational outcomes, policy impacts, and institutional effectiveness. She also regularly procures services under NAICS 611710 (Educational Support Services) and 541618 (Other Management Consulting Services), demonstrating deep expertise in securing analytical, administrative, and program management support critical to the Department’s operational and strategic goals.