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There are technical offices at DARPA, each with a team of Program Managers of diversified backgrounds
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that include the federal government, the military services, industry and academia.
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DARPA is a relatively small agency in the Department of Defense or DoD, with less than 200 program managers.
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The agency is flexible and enjoys substantial autonomy and freedom,
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which gives Program Managers the latitude they need to work with small businesses on high-risk, high-payoff projects.
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The key to working successfully with DARPA is persistent communication with the Program Managers.
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Provide feedback regarding whether an idea is suited to DARPA.
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Serve as a bridge to the military departments, interfacing with their counterparts on how to best integrate new technologies.
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Help to shape ideas to synchronize with an ongoing or new DARPA program.
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The program manager at DARPA is the heart of DARPA. They are the ones with the ideas. They are the ones that are able to direct,
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manage and control the funds necessary to ensure that the efforts get done.
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They are the people that can make the difference for you. They can identify the places to go,
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the commercial opportunities and especially the Department of Defense opportunities. Where we need most of the help.
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What areas of transition. What military department requires the technology that you’re working on.
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In some cases, a Program Manager may substantially alter what he or she plans to do based on a new idea presented by a small business.
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Your first step to connecting with a Program Manager is to identify the DARPA office
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that is funding projects in areas where your ideas may be a good fit.
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The DARPA website features a personnel directory for each technical office,
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along with a listing of strategic thrusts, active projects and solicitations.
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In addition, you can learn more about Program Managers and programs through DARPA pod casts and news stories.