Traci Leach-Walker

Traci Leach-Walker serves as a key procurement professional within the Social Security Administration’s Office of Acquisition and Grants, where she oversees the acquisition of mission-critical technology and support services that enable the secure and efficient delivery of social security benefits. Her work centers on ensuring reliable IT infrastructure through the procurement of software development, systems integration, and cybersecurity solutions. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts aligned with the agency’s modernization priorities, including cloud-based platforms, data analytics tools, and mission-critical administrative systems. Her role is instrumental in translating operational needs into compliant, performance-driven acquisition strategies that uphold federal standards for transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation. She maintains longstanding relationships with leading contractors including CA, Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc., East Coast Welding & Construction Co. Inc., and Colorid, LLC, reflecting a balanced mix of enterprise technology providers, facilities management specialists, and niche service firms. These partnerships are characterized by consistent recompetition, performance-based contract structures, and a focus on long-term service reliability rather than one-time deliverables. Her contracting approach emphasizes vendor accountability through clear performance metrics and rigorous oversight mechanisms. Traci’s procurement activity shows no reliance on socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic criteria, aligning with the agency’s need for rapid deployment of complex, high-assurance systems. While small business participation is not formally prioritized, vendors of all sizes compete on merit, with selection driven by technical merit, past performance, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), with significant activity in software publishing, scientific consulting, and specialized technical services. She routinely procures custom software development, systems architecture design, cybersecurity risk assessments, and data modernization solutions, demonstrating deep expertise in the federal IT acquisition landscape and a strong command of technical requirements for mission-critical environments.