MITRE’s Independent Research and Development Program tackles the government’s hardest problems, those that require deep expertise across multiple technologies and an objective perspective, as well as knowledge of how federal agencies operate in the real world.
We apply new technology, or new ways to use existing technology, to improve government operations—from cybersecurity to IT modernization to national security. We strive for the best and most costeffective solutions to our government sponsors’ needs. Projects range from streamlining operations to ensuring that the U.S. military and our allies can communicate in the field.
MITRE is a not-for-profit organization that operates federally funded research and development centers. As such, we cannot compete with industry. Rather, we often act as a bridge between government and industry—helping agencies understand what’s available commercially that could solve their problems and helping industry understand the government’s specific needs.
We also transition our innovative technology to government agencies or we license it to the private sector, which creates affordable, maintainable products that meet the government’s needs.