What the reference shows
DARPA describes program managers as people who develop research programs, coordinate research teams and manage technical milestones. Its public description emphasizes a time-limited appointment and engagement with intended users.
Our proposed application
For VisionSeek, the role should own the capability question, evidence and next decision. The manager assembles expertise rather than claiming to contain it all, and identifies the future operator before treating a prototype as a success. This is our design choice, not a statement of DARPA policy.
What must be in place
A role description alone is insufficient. Each appointment needs an accepted mandate, scope, resources, review cadence, decision limits and a transition plan.
REFERENCE SOURCE
DARPA · Become a program managerExternal reference reviewed on 26 September 2026. Proposed VisionSeek applications are our interpretation, not DARPA programs or a partnership.