Full Name
Benjamin Bryant
Job Title
Deputy Head of Contracting
Company
ACO, ARPA-H
Speaker Bio
Benjamin is the ARPA-H deputy Head of Contracting Activity. The Acquisition and Contracting Office (ACO) provides expert business advice, crafting and managing acquisition and assistance arrangements with industry performers to further the ARPA-H mission.
Prior to joining ARPA-H, Benjamin spent more than 13 years supporting critical acquisition needs for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). In 2018, he developed a new division to support the Undersecretary of Defense (USD) for Research and Engineering, where he led 20 talented acquisition professionals to deliver on a collective definition of excellence. 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. In Fiscal Year 2019, 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.
From 2009 – 2018, Benjamin led dynamic teams to achieve the unique acquisition needs of the Pentagon’s senior leadership. An equally dynamic challenge, where he created best-in-class strategic sourcing procurement vehicles to meet OSD’s broad mission needs.
Originally from Charleston, SC, Benjamin attended Boston University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. After school, he spend several years on Capitol Hill, working at Trust for America’s Health, and tutoring disabled college students at a Catholic university. In 2016, 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. He attended the Federal Executive Institute and the Defense Civilian Emerging Leadership Programs. He is DAWIA certified in program management and contracting. 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.
Prior to joining ARPA-H, Benjamin spent more than 13 years supporting critical acquisition needs for the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). In 2018, he developed a new division to support the Undersecretary of Defense (USD) for Research and Engineering, where he led 20 talented acquisition professionals to deliver on a collective definition of excellence. 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. In Fiscal Year 2019, 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.
From 2009 – 2018, Benjamin led dynamic teams to achieve the unique acquisition needs of the Pentagon’s senior leadership. An equally dynamic challenge, where he created best-in-class strategic sourcing procurement vehicles to meet OSD’s broad mission needs.
Originally from Charleston, SC, Benjamin attended Boston University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. After school, he spend several years on Capitol Hill, working at Trust for America’s Health, and tutoring disabled college students at a Catholic university. In 2016, 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. He attended the Federal Executive Institute and the Defense Civilian Emerging Leadership Programs. He is DAWIA certified in program management and contracting. 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.
Speaking At
