Traci A. Chiaro

Traci A. Chiaro serves as a key procurement professional within the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), supporting the acquisition of mission-critical technologies that enhance the operational superiority of special operations forces. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on rapid prototyping, field-deployable systems, and advanced technical capabilities, including tactical communications, electro-optical sensors, night vision equipment, and integrated surveillance platforms. Her work directly enables USSOCOM’s mission to deliver cutting-edge, warfighter-centric solutions through agile contracting methods and accelerated acquisition pathways, ensuring that special operations units remain technologically ahead of evolving threats. Chiaro collaborates with a broad spectrum of defense contractors, including prime systems integrators, niche technology developers, and specialized R&D firms capable of delivering high-performance, low-volume hardware and software solutions. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for flexible, performance-based agreements that accommodate rapid iteration and field validation. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages vendors with proven experience in classified environments, secure communications architectures, and military-grade electro-optical systems, fostering partnerships built on technical agility and compliance with DoD security standards. Her procurement approach prioritizes small business participation, with approximately 24.5% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, indicating a strong commitment to leveraging innovative capabilities from non-traditional and emerging vendors. Though no specific socioeconomic set-asides (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB) are dominant, her consistent use of small business set-asides reflects a deliberate strategy to expand the defense industrial base and foster innovation beyond traditional defense contractors. Chiaro’s primary NAICS focus areas include Security Systems Services, Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair, and specialized textile product manufacturing—reflecting her oversight of body-worn gear, durable field equipment, and integrated sensor housings. She also manages acquisitions in ship repair and interior design services, indicating a broad scope that supports both operational readiness and mission-specific infrastructure. Her expertise lies at the intersection of tactical hardware, survivability systems, and rapid prototyping, making her a vital link between warfighter needs and responsive procurement execution.