DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) reports to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics through the Director for Defense Research and Engineering. DARPA serves as the central research and development organization of the DoD with a primary responsibility to maintain U.S. technological superiority over potential adversaries. The DARPA pursues imaginative and innovative research and development projects offering significant military utility; manages and directs the conduct of basic and applied research and development that exploits scientific breakthroughs and demonstrates the feasibility of revolutionary approaches for improved cost and performance of advanced technology; and stimulates a greater emphasis on prototyping in defense systems by conducting prototype projects that embody technology that might be incorporated in joint programs, programs in support of deployed U.S. Forces (including the Unified Combatant Commands), or selected Military Department programs, and on request, assist the Military Departments in their own prototyping programs.