Institute for Defense Analyses Reviews

Extremely risk adverse organization that is not that interested in developments outside its orbit. You also don't get a lot of recognition for working here because...no one's heard of IDA. Your research will be under the radar and not something the outside world will really know about. There is also a culture dominated by older white men who seem to actively resist efforts to make IDA any different. And why should they? The culture is ideal for them. For others, not so much. There are people who have been here for 30, 35 years and you can tell. If you're a woman, think twice before coming. No, seriously, consider every other FFRDC before you come here. If you do come here, stay active in your professional network. You COULD come here and deal with this culture, but WHY.

The company structure is flat, leaving little or no room for growth. The pay is below average compared to industry, no merit-based rewards. Poor management with little or no accountability, resulting is slow process and procurement. Old methodology and approach for systems management. It’s a struggle to implement change and modernize systems. High turnover. The environment is toxic.