IDA’s mission is to solve the most challenging U.S. security and science policy problems. We do this by leveraging the extraordinary expertise of our STEM-heavy workforce.
IDA conducts specialized work that supports the top priorities of the Department of Defense in lethality, readiness and warfighting; strengthening the industrial base and reforming the acquisition system to rebuild the military; and reestablishing deterrence in its many forms. Our work supports the many dimensions of reform that cross the national security enterprise.
Our unique value is driven by:
- Innovative, independent, rigorous and timely analyses; combining our deep mission expertise and cutting-edge methodologies, including advanced data analytics and AI. We inform today’s decisions and identify and help mitigate tomorrow’s risks before they emerge.
- We maintain the highest standards for our workforce, bringing together exceptional scientists, technologists and systems experts with operators and economists. We understand the complexities of the DOD, pivotal technologies, and operational art crucial to success.
- We operate free of conflicts of interest and offer objective results because we have no financial stake in the outcome. We don’t do commercial work; we don’t produce prototypes or other end-products; and we don’t compete with private industry. We are small but self-sustaining by design.
- Our primary focus is the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the broader joint community. We are experts in assessing standards and accountability across the services and can inform our sponsors across service programs and equities.
- Our sponsors have direct access to researchers when needed for quick and effective support.
- We maintain a modern facility close to the Pentagon so we can engage with sponsors face-to-face, operating at all levels of classification to ensure fully-informed and actionable results.
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