Author here. It's an important question. I would argue that DARPA does not work as well as it did in the 1960's but that your experience with PMs isn't representative.
Even though it's less than other government orgs, DARPA still has more process than it used to. Additionally, the opportunity cost for people who would make excellent PMs has become steadily higher over time.
Even though it's less than other government orgs, DARPA still has more process than it used to. Additionally, the opportunity cost for people who would make excellent PMs has become steadily higher over time.