R. Leigh Gillette

R. Leigh Gillette supports the Office of the Secretary within the Department of Commerce’s SSSPO by managing strategic procurement initiatives that advance data-driven governance and operational modernization. Responsible for acquiring professional services critical to economic policy analysis, public engagement, and digital infrastructure development, Gillette oversees contracts aligned with high-impact market research, polling, and technical support services. Their role bridges policy objectives with acquisition execution, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while enabling the agency’s mission to inform national economic strategies through evidence-based insights. Gillette maintains a consistent working relationship with CACI, INC. - FEDERAL, a primary contractor for analytical and technical services supporting policy research and digital modernization efforts. The contracting pattern reflects a preference for established federal contractors with demonstrated expertise in public sector analytics and systems integration, though the portfolio also includes smaller firms under set-aside programs. Vendor partnerships are characterized by repeat engagement and performance-based award structures, emphasizing reliability, technical proficiency, and alignment with agency priorities. Gillette’s contracting portfolio demonstrates a balanced approach to socioeconomic goals, with approximately one-third of awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, indicating a deliberate commitment to small business participation. While no other specific set-aside categories (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB) dominate the pattern, the consistent use of small business set-asides reflects an intentional effort to broaden vendor diversity and foster competitive bidding among qualified small entities. The primary NAICS focus areas—236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair and Maintenance), and 812930 (Parking Lots and Garages)—suggest a unique alignment with facility infrastructure and operational support services. These categories indicate procurement activity centered on physical infrastructure modernization, maintenance of specialized equipment, and site management, supporting the agency’s broader goal of enhancing physical and digital operational readiness across federal commerce initiatives.