The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has a rich history that spans over four decades, marked by its ability to manage and harness transformative and large-scale innovation, and it does so systematically and consistently. This article delves into the secrets behind DARPA's success and how it can be replicated in modern-day startup ventures.
Understanding DARPA's Success
The success of DARPA lies in its adoption of a set of questions that were developed by George H. Heilmeier, a past director of the agency, to evaluate proposals for large-scale projects. This set of questions, known as the "Heilmeier Catechism", has proven to be an effective tool in evaluating and approving innovative projects.
The Heilmeier Catechism
The Heilmeier Catechism includes the following fundamental questions:
- What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
- How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
- What is new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
- Who cares? If you are successful, what difference will it make?
- What are the risks?
- How much will it cost?
- How long will it take?
- What are the mid-term and final “exams” to check for success?
Despite having only a few hundred employees, DARPA has used these principles to guide an astonishing and profoundly transformational set of truly innovative projects. For an in-depth look at these projects, visit DARPA Research Projects.
Crafting Competitive Proposals Using the Heilmeier Catechism
The Heilmeier Catechism is not only useful for evaluating projects but also for crafting competitive proposals. This section discusses how to use it to create better proposals.
Objectives and Current Practice
The first two questions of the catechism require you to articulate your objectives clearly and explain how your project is currently done and the limits of the current practice. This helps to identify the need for improvements and the consequences of not making any changes.
Your Approach and Its Potential Success
Next, the catechism asks what is new in your approach and why you think it will be successful. This involves providing preliminary work and testing assumptions on a small scale.
Identifying Stakeholders and Potential Impact
The catechism then asks you to identify who cares about your project and who will benefit from its success. It also requires you to explain what difference it will make if you are successful.
Risks, Cost, and Duration
The catechism also requires you to identify the risks involved in your project, the cost, and the time it will take to complete. It also prompts you to have a Plan B in case of any eventualities.
Checking for Success
Finally, the catechism asks for the mid-term and final "exams" that will be used to check for success. This involves assessing progress and making mid-course corrections.
Making Your Proposal Stand Out
To make your proposal stand out, ensure that every question of the catechism is answered in your project description. Make the answers specific, quantitative, and jargon-free. Also, provide a summary at the end of your project description that recaps the catechism.
The Heilmeier Catechism has proven to be an effective tool in crafting competitive proposals and managing innovative projects. By following this guide, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your research proposals approved.