Retired CISA Contracting Chief Juan Arratia Launches Arratia & Associates
•February 18, 2026
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Why It Matters
Arratia’s deep procurement expertise gives federal clients a rare insider perspective, potentially reducing compliance risk and accelerating contract cycles. His firm fills a growing niche for specialized audit‑readiness consulting in the public sector.
Key Takeaways
- •Retired CISA chief launches Arratia & Associates
- •Firm offers acquisition, procurement, audit readiness consulting
- •Arratia brings 30+ years federal procurement experience
- •Held senior roles at CISA, DHS, OPM, Navy
- •Targets agencies needing contract compliance and audit support
Pulse Analysis
The transition of senior federal procurement officials into private consulting reflects a maturing market for specialized advisory services. Agencies increasingly seek external expertise to navigate evolving acquisition regulations, cybersecurity requirements, and supply‑chain risks. By leveraging a former senior executive’s insider knowledge, firms like Arratia & Associates can offer tailored guidance that shortens learning curves and mitigates costly compliance errors, positioning themselves as strategic partners rather than generic vendors.
Arratia’s portfolio spans high‑stakes contract oversight at CISA, where he managed cybersecurity procurement, to leading FIAR (Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness) programs for the Navy. This blend of operational and audit experience equips his consultancy to address both the transactional and compliance dimensions of federal contracting. Clients can expect assistance in structuring solicitations, optimizing contract terms, and preparing for rigorous audit cycles, thereby enhancing fiscal stewardship and reducing the likelihood of audit findings.
For the broader federal procurement ecosystem, the emergence of boutique firms led by seasoned executives signals a shift toward more nuanced, risk‑focused advisory models. As agencies confront tighter budgets and heightened oversight, the demand for audit‑ready procurement strategies will intensify. Arratia & Associates’ focus on audit readiness not only supports immediate compliance needs but also contributes to long‑term cultural change, encouraging proactive risk management across acquisition teams. This evolution may drive higher contract performance, better value for taxpayers, and a more resilient supply chain.
Retired CISA Contracting Chief Juan Arratia Launches Arratia & Associates
After more than three decades in federal procurement leadership, Juan Arratia has launched a new consulting firm focused on acquisition, procurement, and audit readiness.
Juan Arratia announced the formation of Arratia & Associates LLC following his retirement from government service, where he most recently served as Chief of the Contracting Office at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
“After 30+ years of Government Service supporting the planning, execution, and administration of contract requirements, I am proud to announce that Arratia & Associates LLC has started supporting clients with consulting support for acquisition, procurement, and audit readiness,” he shared in a public post.
Arratia served as CISA’s Chief of the Contracting Office from July 2021 through September 2025. In that Senior Executive Service role, he oversaw procurement and contract‑management functions supporting the agency’s cybersecurity and infrastructure‑protection mission.
Before joining CISA, Arratia was Deputy Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Procurement Operations from 2018 to 2021. He also served as Senior Procurement Executive at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management from 2014 to 2018, where he led procurement operations at the agency level.
Earlier in his career, Arratia held senior contracting roles within the Department of the Navy, including Contracts Director for Navy Financial Management and the Comptroller’s Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR) efforts. He also managed Navy electronic‑systems programs supporting platforms such as Wide Area Workflow (WAWF), Electronic Document Access (EDA), and Standard Procurement System (SPS).
His federal acquisition experience began in uniform as a Contracting Officer with Marine Corps Systems Command from 2003 to 2007.
Arratia holds a Master of Business Administration in Contract and Procurement from the Naval Postgraduate School.
(AI was used in part to facilitate this article.)
Matt Seldon, BSc.
Editorial Associate, HSToday
Matt has over 20 years of experience in writing, social media, and analytics. He holds a degree in Computer Studies from the University of South Wales (UK) and has worked for the Department for Work and Pensions and various private‑sector companies. His work includes writing and editing blogs and online content for promotional and educational purposes, as well as running social‑media campaigns on platforms such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and LinkedIn on topics ranging from charity volunteering in the public sector to personal‑finance goals.
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