The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA’s mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.
IDA manages three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs):
Sponsors rely on IDA’s FFRDCs for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice performed in a research environment free of commercial or shareholder interests where objectivity and the public interest are foremost.
The work produced by IDA’s FFRDCs is characterized by unquestioned objectivity and high quality. Because of our unique relationship with our U.S. Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information. We adhere to a strict regime for avoiding conflicts of interest. We are thus in the position of offering outsider perspectives on important issues with insider access to information.
Our findings and conclusions arise directly from the results of technically exacting and data-driven analyses. By holding ourselves to this high standard, our sponsors can trust the accurate, in-depth, and objective information we deliver to them.
We are devoted to honesty, professionalism, and ethical conduct. We do and say what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. We work closely with our sponsors to make our analyses relevant, responsive, and timely. We report the truth revealed in data and our analyses. We are vigilant in protecting ourselves and our institution from any conflict of interest – real or perceived – that might impugn our research results and preclude these truths from informing public policy discourse.
We embrace differences. We celebrate the inherent value of a team diverse in thought, experience, and demographics.
We maximize the value of different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas of multi-disciplinary, high-performance teams. Unified by our commitment to a common goal, we surpass what would have been accomplished individually.
We are a learning organization – learning from each other, our peers, outside experts, and those we serve to create and improve the capabilities, methods, and approaches used in our work.
We exist to inform our Nation’s leaders as they confront the most challenging U.S. security and science policy challenges.
Mission: Together. Many people. One mission.
Vision: As the Nation’s trusted partner in security and science policy analyses, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) enable IDA to integrate the full range of human experiences and perspectives.
Aspirations: DE&I are essential in our mission, which is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. Diversity is the foundation for creating insights in our work. Equity empowers all IDA community members to achieve their fullest potential. Inclusion enables shared understanding and opportunity for effective collaboration across IDA. As a learning organization, IDA recognizes that innovation is strengthened through DE&I and commits to transparency and integrity in our work and for our people.
Commitments: IDA commits to rigor, transparency, and integrity as we move forward to:
CURRENT OPENINGS | LIFE @IDA | STUDENTS & RECENT GRADS | COME MEET US |
The Institute for Defense Analyses is a nonprofit organization that provides government agencies with high-quality, objective analyses of issues of national security. We provide a work environment that encourages rigorous, independent research on challenging and complex issues.
IDA embraces diversity and supports an inclusive work environment. Working here requires energy, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Whether you’re a graduate student ready to start your career, a professional looking for your next challenge, or a member of the military hoping to transition to the private sector while continuing to make a difference in the national security of your country, we offer exciting opportunities to learn and grow.
Applicants who are selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click the button below to learn more about IDA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. DE&I Commitment