Jon K Mogford

Jon K. Mogford serves as Program Manager for the Defense Sciences Office (DSO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he leads the formulation and execution of high-risk, high-reward research initiatives aimed at enabling transformative military capabilities. In this role, he oversees the end-to-end acquisition lifecycle for advanced scientific and engineering programs, from concept development through contract award and technical oversight. His acquisitions are strategically aligned with DARPA’s mission to pioneer breakthrough technologies in physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences, with a focus on autonomous systems, next-generation computing, bio-integrated platforms, and advanced materials. Mogford manages competitive, full-and-open solicitations under FAR Part 35 and FAR Part 36, frequently utilizing Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to accelerate innovation beyond traditional procurement pathways. Mogford maintains close working relationships 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., partnering with organizations capable of executing complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects. His procurement approach emphasizes technical excellence, agility, and intellectual rigor, often engaging elite academic, industrial, and defense technology firms with proven capabilities in cutting-edge domains. These partnerships are typically non-traditional, performance-based, and outcome-driven, reflecting DARPA’s culture of innovation over compliance. Mogford’s portfolio is entirely classified as No Set-Aside, reflecting DARPA’s mandate to prioritize technical merit and capability over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his acquisitions, he collaborates with capable small firms when they demonstrate unique technical expertise or innovative approaches aligned with program goals. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he procures advanced prototyping, experimental systems, sensor technologies, and bio-engineered solutions. His domain expertise spans neurotechnology, quantum-enabled systems, adaptive materials, and autonomous machine learning architectures, driving DARPA’s mission to maintain U.S. technological dominance through rapid scientific advancement.