I2O BAA Coordinator

The IPTO BAA Coordinator serves as a key liaison within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the administration of Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), facilitating the solicitation and award of research and development contracts aligned with DARPA’s mission of accelerating transformative military technologies. Responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle of high-risk, high-reward scientific initiatives, the coordinator ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while fostering innovation across cutting-edge domains such as autonomous systems, next-generation computing, and bio-integrated technologies. Their work directly supports DARPA’s strategic imperatives by identifying and engaging technical leaders capable of delivering breakthrough capabilities in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The coordinator maintains consistent partnerships with a select group of high-caliber research and technology providers, including AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LLC, PENNSYLVANIA & SOUTHERN RAILWAY LLC, and ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC. These contractors are typically established entities with proven expertise in advanced R&D, systems integration, and prototype development for defense applications. Relationships are characterized by long-term technical collaboration, iterative prototyping, and rapid contract execution to meet DARPA’s accelerated program timelines. The coordinator’s procurement portfolio reflects a strict focus on open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions. This underscores a preference for technical excellence over socioeconomic classifications, prioritizing capability and innovation over vendor size or certification status. While small business participation is not structurally mandated, firms of all sizes compete on equal footing based on technical merit and program alignment. Primary acquisitions fall exclusively under NAICS 541712, emphasizing research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The coordinator procures advanced prototypes, experimental systems, computational models, and bio-engineered solutions—often involving AI-driven autonomy, quantum-enabled sensors, neuromorphic computing, and adaptive materials—targeting foundational advancements that bridge laboratory innovation and operational military utility.