AGA PDT 2026

Benjamin Bryant
Head of Contracting Activity
ARPA-H


Benjamin Bryant is the Acting Head of Contracting Activity for the Advance Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and Acting Director of the Business Innovation Division (BID). BID provides expert business advice, crafting and managing acquisition and assistance arrangements with industry performers to further the ARPA-H mission. From 2009 – 2018, Benjamin led dynamic teams to achieve the unique acquisition needs of the Pentagon’s senior leadership. In 2018, he developed a new division to support the Undersecretary of Defense (USD) for Research and Engineering, where he successfully pursued the facilities, training, and authorities necessary for the team to acquire a broad range of unique classified and unclassified technology using Other Transactions (OT) for Research and Prototyping. Within a year of developing a rapid research and development team, Benjamin’s team obligated the 4th most Other Transactions in the Government. Some of these efforts include successful transition from prototype to production for micro nuclear reactors, autonomous ships, and Hypersonics research and development. Originally from Charleston, SC, Benjamin attended Boston University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. Benjamin achieved his Master of Public Administration from the American University Key Executive Leadership program with Distinction in addition to gaining his LEAD certification through OPM. As an acquisition leader, Benjamin is driven to deliver on an audacious collective vision, celebrate individual and team successes, and create a culture built on trust and creativity with a fierce pursuit of excellence.

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