Stephen Waller

Stephen Waller serves as Program Manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he leads the design, solicitation, and execution of high-risk, high-reward research and development initiatives critical to maintaining U.S. technological superiority in defense applications. His procurement portfolio centers on advanced scientific innovation across physical, engineering, and life sciences, with a focus on autonomous systems, next-generation computing, bio-integrated technologies, and novel materials. He manages competitive solicitations under broad agency announcements and research contracts, ensuring alignment with DARPA’s mission to accelerate breakthroughs through agile, mission-driven acquisition strategies. Waller maintains strategic relationships with a select group of specialized contractors, including AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LLC, PENNSYLVANIA & SOUTHERN RAILWAY LLC, and ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for organizations with proven expertise in cutting-edge R&D, systems integration, and translational science. His contracting approach emphasizes technical excellence and innovation over cost competitiveness, fostering long-term collaborations with vendors capable of delivering transformative solutions under tight timelines and high technical uncertainty. Waller’s procurement activity is exclusively non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects DARPA’s institutional priority to source the most capable technical performers regardless of socioeconomic status, prioritizing mission impact over socioeconomic program targets. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his portfolio, awardees may include small firms when they demonstrate unique technical capability. His primary procurement focus is NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—encompassing advanced materials, microelectronics, neurotechnology, and autonomous system prototyping. He routinely procures R&D services, prototype development, and proof-of-concept demonstrations, leveraging technical evaluations and peer review to select performers with the highest potential for operational impact.