Matthew D Goodman

Adel A. Saleh serves as Program Manager for the Strategic Technology Office (STO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he leads the design, solicitation, and execution of high-risk, high-reward research initiatives aimed at advancing transformative military technologies. In this role, he oversees the full lifecycle of complex R&D contracts, from technical concept validation through prototype development and transition planning, ensuring alignment with DARPA’s mission to maintain U.S. technological superiority in critical domains such as autonomous systems, next-generation computing, and bio-integrated technologies. His acquisitions are strategically targeted to accelerate breakthroughs in physical, engineering, and life sciences, often involving multi-year, multi-phase programs requiring interdisciplinary technical expertise and agile contracting approaches. Mr. Saleh maintains consistent partnerships with a select group of high-caliber research and development contractors, including AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LLC, and ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC., reflecting his focus on institutions with proven capabilities in advanced engineering and scientific innovation. His procurement patterns emphasize technical excellence and mission alignment over socioeconomic preferences, fostering long-term collaborations with firms capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions under demanding performance timelines and technical constraints. His contracting activity shows no reliance on set-aside programs, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize technical capability and innovation readiness over socioeconomic criteria, ensuring that DARPA’s most critical programs are pursued by the most qualified performers regardless of business size or certification status. Mr. Saleh’s procurement portfolio is exclusively focused on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). He specializes in acquiring advanced materials, neurotechnologies, quantum-enabled systems, and integrated circuit architectures, working closely with contractors who combine deep scientific rigor with rapid prototyping and field-deployable innovation capabilities.