Richard L. Dunn provides advice and engages in research and analysis related to the deployment and implementation of technology in the military and civil sectors through partnering and other innovative means; he conducts research in national security operations, technology and their interactions; and, analyzes laws, policies and practices that impact the effective implementation of technology. He is founder and consultant at the Strategic Institute for Innovation in Government Contracting. He served as Expert-Consultant at National Defense University, 2016–2018. Pro bono work has included appointment to study groups of the National Academies and Defense Science Board. 

He served as senior fellow and visiting scholar at the R.H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland (2000 – 2007). From 1987 to 2000 he served as the first general Counsel of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). He obtained legislation authorizing DARPA to conduct research and prototype projects as “other transactions” in lieu of contracts or grants, conduct inducement prize competitions, and recruit and pay scientists and engineers outside the constraints of the Civil Service system. Previously he served as legal counsel at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, engaged in the private practice of law and served on active duty as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force.

B.A., cum laude, University of New Hampshire, J.D., University of Maryland, LL.M., highest honors, George Washington University.