Chris Glista

Chris Glista serves as a Contracting Officer at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the agency’s mission of enabling transformative military technologies through high-risk, high-reward research. He manages complex research and development contracts under FAR Part 35 and other specialized authorities, primarily supporting advanced scientific innovation in physical, engineering, and life sciences. His acquisitions focus on early-stage technology maturation, prototype development, and rapid capability transition, often leveraging Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and basic ordering agreements to accelerate breakthroughs in autonomy, next-generation computing, and bio-integrated systems. Glista maintains strategic relationships with leading R&D contractors including AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LLC, and AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, alongside specialized firms such as ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC. and PENNSYLVANIA & SOUTHERN RAILWAY LLC. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established technical partners with proven capabilities in defense-critical domains, fostering long-term collaborations that bridge academic research and operational deployment. He prioritizes agility and technical excellence over volume, often engaging firms with deep domain expertise in advanced materials, sensor systems, and computational biology. His contracting portfolio exhibits an overwhelming preference for non-set-aside acquisitions, with 99.1% of awards issued under full and open competition, reflecting DARPA’s mission-driven need for the most capable technical solutions regardless of business size. Small business participation is minimal but intentional, with only 0.9% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, typically reserved for niche capabilities where qualified small firms offer unique innovation. Glista’s primary NAICS focus is 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—accounting for over three-quarters of his portfolio. He routinely procures advanced prototyping services, computational modeling, sensor development, and systems integration in domains such as autonomous platforms, neurotechnology, and quantum-enabled systems, demonstrating deep familiarity with the technical rigor and acquisition flexibility required to advance DARPA’s most ambitious programs.