Stephen E. Swearingen

Stephen E. Swearingen serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracts and Acquisitions Management unit of the U.S. Department of Education, where he plays a pivotal role in executing strategic procurements that advance federal education policy, research, and institutional capacity. He manages the full lifecycle of professional services contracts, ensuring alignment with federal acquisition regulations and the agency’s mission to strengthen data infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and evidence-based decision-making in postsecondary education. His portfolio primarily includes complex service-based acquisitions requiring technical expertise in educational research, administrative consulting, and support services. Swearingen maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing specialized professional services in support of education policy analysis and program evaluation. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established, high-performing vendors with demonstrated capability in delivering mission-critical services, while also fostering competitive bidding environments to ensure value and accountability. He engages contractors through sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, emphasizing performance-based requirements and outcome-driven deliverables. His set-aside preferences reflect a strong commitment to small business participation, with approximately 18.5% of his awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of his acquisitions are unrestricted, he actively seeks opportunities to include small businesses in the competitive landscape, aligning with federal socioeconomic goals without compromising mission needs or technical rigor. Swearingen’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) and 611710 (Educational Support Services), reflecting his expertise in securing analytical, research, and operational support for federal education programs. He routinely procures services related to data system modernization, policy evaluation, institutional capacity building, and administrative consulting, demonstrating deep domain knowledge in the social sciences and education technology ecosystems.