BAA Coordinator

The BAA Coordinator at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) plays a pivotal role in advancing the agency’s mission of enabling transformative military technologies through high-risk, high-reward research. Responsible for managing the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) process, this individual facilitates the solicitation, evaluation, and award of non-traditional and traditional research contracts across physical, engineering, and life sciences domains. Their work directly supports DARPA’s strategic priorities in autonomous systems, next-generation computing, bio-integrated technologies, and advanced materials, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific innovation is rapidly transitioned into operational capability. They handle competitive, merit-based acquisitions designed to attract top-tier research institutions, defense contractors, and emerging innovators. The BAA Coordinator maintains strategic relationships with key research and technology providers including AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LLC, and ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC., reflecting a focus on organizations with deep expertise in defense-relevant R&D. These partnerships are typically structured as cost-reimbursement or fixed-price research contracts, often involving rapid prototyping, proof-of-concept development, and technical validation phases. The coordinator fosters collaborative, agile contracting environments that prioritize technical excellence and innovation over traditional commercial delivery models. There is no set-aside preference in the coordinator’s portfolio; all awards are competed open to all eligible entities, consistent with DARPA’s mission to source the best capabilities regardless of business size or status. This reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize technical merit and capability over socioeconomic classifications, enabling broad access to the most qualified performers across industry and academia. The coordinator’s procurement activity is exclusively focused on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—with an emphasis on foundational science, materials engineering, neurotechnology, and advanced electronics. Their acquisitions support early-stage innovation in areas such as neuromorphic computing, autonomous perception systems, and bio-hybrid interfaces, ensuring DARPA remains at the forefront of next-generation defense technology.