Michael S Mutty

CAPT Duane Ashton serves as a senior contracting officer within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the agency’s mission of accelerating transformative military technologies through high-risk, high-reward research. He manages complex acquisition portfolios focused on early-stage R&D contracts, primarily supporting breakthrough innovations in physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences. His responsibilities include structuring and executing prime contracts under FAR and DFARS frameworks, often utilizing Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to foster agile collaboration between government and non-traditional defense innovators. CAPT Ashton’s acquisitions are mission-critical to DARPA’s strategic initiatives in autonomous systems, next-generation computing, and bio-integrated technologies. He maintains consistent working relationships with leading research and technology firms including AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LLC, and ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC., partnering with entities capable of delivering cutting-edge scientific solutions. His procurement approach emphasizes technical excellence and innovation over traditional vendor hierarchies, frequently engaging non-traditional defense contractors and academic-industrial consortia to meet DARPA’s fast-paced program timelines. CAPT Ashton’s contracting portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, reflecting DARPA’s focus on technical capability over socioeconomic classifications. While small business participation is not mandated through set-asides, he actively encourages inclusion of qualified small firms through competitive, open solicitations aligned with program needs. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—encompassing advanced materials, neurotechnologies, quantum computing architectures, and secure embedded systems. He specializes in procuring prototype development, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and foundational research services that underpin next-generation defense capabilities.