IDA (Institute for Defense Analyses) – a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia just outside Washington, DC – operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) in the public interest: the Systems and Analyses Center, the Science and Technology Policy Institute, and the Center for Communications and Computing.
Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice to inform their decisions. Since 1956, IDA’s basic mission has remained unchanged – bring the best scientific, technical, and analytic talent to bear on issues critical to U.S. National security, 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 Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to highly classified and sensitive government and 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 diverse mix of professionals possesses expertise in a broad range of technologies and systems combined with deep knowledge of costs, policies, operations, and organizational matters. IDA continually renews and evolves its staff, integrating those newly educated in the latest advances in research with seasoned veterans of acquisition management, policy-making, and operational leadership roles in government and defense-related organizations. The exceptional creativity, determination, and commitment to service that IDA researchers bring to their work are the foundation of IDA’s excellence.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning think tank working to solve today’s greatest sustainable development challenges. Through trusted research, advice, and collaboration, we transform bold ideas into real-world change that leaves no one behind.
Established in 1990, we have offices in Canada and Switzerland, and our work affects economies, communities, ecosystems, and lives in over 100 countries. We focus our efforts on five critical and interconnected areas of sustainable development: climate, nature, social equity, sustainable economies, and international governance.
Our global reach allows us to bring networks together to build skills, share ideas, and deliver results that last. We work at all levels, from intergovernmental forums to regional and local governments, to civil society and the private sector.
As an independent think tank, we cut through political divisions to build broad-based coalitions and offer a voice of reason in an increasingly polarized world.
Our Core Values
Excellence: We produce high-quality work grounded in evidence, creating real-world, transformative change for people and the planet.
Integrity: We align our actions with our values, doing what we say we will do and taking full responsibility for delivering on our commitments.
Equity: We work to shift power dynamics by amplifying structurally marginalized voices and creating space for local expertise and lived experience to drive tailored solutions and outcomes.
Collaboration: We make space for a diverse range of expertise to create and implement effective solutions together.
Agility: We embrace change by prioritizing continuous learning, innovation, and iteration while evolving our strategies to remain effective.
Congressionally Chartered. Scholarship Driven. Fiercely Nonpartisan.
The official memorial to President Wilson, we are the nation’s leading non-partisan policy forum tackling global issues.
The Wilson Center serves as an open forum for informed dialogue and welcomes comment from the public.