Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency(DARPA)
The DoD agency responsible for funding breakthrough research and development, pursuing high-risk, high-reward projects with universities, startups, and contractors.
Overview
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is the DoD agency charged with developing breakthrough technologies for national security. Since its founding in 1958, DARPA has been responsible for pioneering innovations including the internet (ARPANET), GPS, stealth technology, and mRNA vaccine platforms. DARPA operates with a flat organizational structure, empowering program managers to take calculated risks on transformative research.
Why It Matters in GovCon
DARPA contracts represent some of the most innovative and technically challenging work in government contracting. Unlike traditional defense procurement, DARPA actively seeks non-traditional contractors, startups, and academic institutions. DARPA programs often use Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) rather than traditional FAR-based contracts, lowering barriers to entry.
Key Details
- Budget: Approximately $4 billion annually, invested across roughly 250 programs in six technical offices.
- Program Managers: DARPA PMs serve limited terms (typically 3-5 years) and have significant autonomy in defining and executing programs.
- BAAs: Primary solicitation mechanism; proposals are evaluated on technical innovation and potential impact rather than lowest cost.
- OTAs: Frequently uses Other Transaction Agreements to engage non-traditional defense contractors without full FAR compliance requirements.
- Technology Transition: Successful DARPA programs transition to military services or agencies for further development and fielding.
Related Terms
- Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
- Other Transaction Agreement (OTA)
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
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