Stephen Schaefer

Stephen Schaefer serves as Director of the Procurement Management Division, overseeing the strategic planning, execution, and compliance of federal acquisition activities. In this leadership role, he ensures that procurement operations align with statutory requirements, agency mission objectives, and best practices in contract administration. He directs the full lifecycle of acquisitions—from market research and solicitation development to award and contract management—with a primary emphasis on professional and technical services. His division is responsible for delivering high-value consulting solutions that support complex operational and analytical needs across the organization. Mr. Schaefer’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for non-set-aside procurements, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This approach underscores his commitment to maximizing market competition and ensuring the selection of the most qualified providers based on technical merit and value. While he does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, his procurement framework is designed to foster transparency, fairness, and performance-based outcomes across all vendor engagements. His primary procurement focus is centered on NAICS 541690—Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services—indicating a deep specialization in expert advisory services, systems analysis, policy research, and technical consulting. He regularly procures high-level analytical support, program evaluation, data modeling, and operational consulting services from firms possessing advanced subject matter expertise in science, engineering, and public sector management. His portfolio consistently demands contractors with demonstrated capabilities in delivering evidence-based solutions to complex governmental challenges. Mr. Schaefer collaborates with a broad spectrum of professional services firms, ranging from large consulting enterprises to specialized niche providers, all selected through rigorous evaluation criteria emphasizing technical competence, past performance, and cost-effectiveness. His leadership ensures procurement decisions are grounded in sound acquisition strategy and regulatory compliance.