Whether you're new to government contracting or a seasoned professional, traditional contracts may seem overly-complex and daunting. However, Other Transactions (OTs) are not your typical government contract. Unlike traditional procurement contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, OTs provide greater flexibility to support cutting-edge research and prototype development. This lesson will delve into the types of OTs, their benefits, and how DARPA effectively utilizes this powerful tool to drive innovation and accelerate technological advancements.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the defense industry is highly competitive and driven by innovation. Intellectual property (IP), which encompasses patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, plays a crucial role in protecting and monetizing the valuable assets that you may help to develop. This lesson provides an overview of IP considerations when working with DARPA.

Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) are an important mechanism for DARPA to solicit innovative solutions and ideas from industry, academia, and other organizations. Throughout this module, we will delve into the purpose and structure of BAAs, the key components of a BAA, the difference between Office-Wide and Program-Specific BAAs, and the process of responding to a BAA.

Small businesses are critical to DARPA’s success. In this module, we will explore how DARPA’s small business programs provide funding opportunities for these entities to develop innovative technologies while promoting economic growth and scientific advancement.

Since its inception, DARPA has played a significant role in driving technological advancement, having been the vehicle by which American scientists have introduced innovations like stealth technologies, flat-screens, GPS, and the internet. In this module, you will learn more about DARPA, its organizational structure, and its role in advancing national security.

DARPA utilizes several acquisition pathways to facilitate the Agency’s cutting-edge research. In this module, you’ll learn more about where to find the solicitations for DARPA opportunities, as well as the acquisition vehicles that may support your work with DARPA.