IARPA - What Is IARPA?

What Is IARPA?

The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) invests in high-risk/high-payoff research programs that have the potential to provide our nation with an overwhelming intelligence advantage over future adversaries.

It is about taking real risk

It is not about "quick wins", "low-hanging fruit", "sure things", etc.

Failure is completely acceptable as long as...

  • It is not due to failure to maintain technical and programmatic integrity.
  • Results are fully documented.

“High-risk/ High-payoff” is not a free pass for stupidity

  • IARPA brings the best minds to bear on our problems.
  • IARPA sponsors full and open competition to the greatest possible extent.
  • IARPA will not start a program without a good idea and an exceptional person to execute it.

Cross-community focus: IARPA will...

  • Address cross-agency challenges.
  • Leverage expertise from across the community (both operational and R&D).
  • Work transition strategies and plans with agency partners.

High standards of technical rigor

  • All IARPA programs are structured according to the Heilmeier framework.
  • Technical excellence and technical truth are the hallmarks of all IARPA programs.