Notice to U.S. Department of Education (ED) Contractors:
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has issued a Special Notice to its contractor community regarding a lapse in appropriations. As of January 31, 2026, ED has no annual appropriations. This notice provides critical guidance on contract performance during this period.
Purpose of Notice
This special notice informs all ED contractors about the expiration of ED appropriations on January 30, 2026, and the subsequent lack of annual appropriations as of January 31, 2026. The purpose is to clarify expectations for contract performance under these circumstances.
Contractor Directives
- Contracts Not Dependent on Appropriations: Contractors whose contracts are not dependent on additional appropriations must continue performance as usual, unless they receive formal notice to the contrary from a Contracting Officer (CO). Full compliance with all terms, conditions, requirements, and deliverables is expected.
- Contracts Dependent on Appropriations: Contractors whose contracts are dependent on additional appropriations must immediately stop all work requiring additional funding. Work may only continue if the contractor receives specific written notification from a CO identifying excepted activities that must proceed.
Operational Impact & Contact
During this lapse, ED will operate with very limited staff. Contractors should be aware that they may be contacted by a different Contracting Officer within ED than their usual point of contact. The Department appreciates the cooperation and continued partnership of its contractors in managing this situation.
Key Dates
- Appropriations Expired: January 30, 2026
- No Annual Appropriations As Of: January 31, 2026
- Notice Published: February 2, 2026
- Response Date (General Inquiries): March 3, 2026
For further inquiries, contact Acquisition Policy at Acq_Policy@ed.gov.