Stephen H. Scheffer

Stephen Scheffer 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 and institutional capacity. He manages the full lifecycle of professional services contracts, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements, FAR compliance, and the agency’s mission to strengthen data-driven decision-making in postsecondary education. His acquisitions primarily support administrative management consulting, educational support services, and technology-enabled systems that underpin federal student aid infrastructure and regulatory reporting frameworks. Scheffer maintains a consistent working relationship with LPE-STRATEGIES LLC, a key contractor providing specialized consulting services in education policy and operational improvement. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and long-term vendor partnerships, fostering collaboration with firms capable of delivering high-quality, evidence-based solutions. He engages with a select group of experienced service providers known for domain expertise in higher education systems, data analytics, and federal compliance. His contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 84.8% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. However, he actively supports small business participation, allocating 15.2% of contracts under Total Small Business Set-Asides in accordance with FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both efficiency and socioeconomic goals. Scheffer’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services), followed by NAICS 611710 (Educational Support Services) and NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services). He specializes in acquiring strategic consulting, institutional capacity building, data system modernization, and technical support services critical to the Department’s mission of enhancing educational equity and operational integrity.