What is an OTA (Other Transaction Authority) Collaboration?
An “Other Transaction Agreement” or “Other Transaction Authority” (OTA) is a streamlined vehicle that brings innovative research findings and state-of-the-art prototypes from industry to the Federal Government. Congress created the first OTA as a contractual tool for NASA to acquire and apply breakthrough technologies at the advent of the Space Race. Today, OTAs enable fast acquisition of critically needed technologies in areas as diverse as armaments, satellites, medical devices, and electromagnetic spectrum technologies.
Why does the Government use OTAs?
Unlike the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), the OT-based consortium model allows government and industry to communicate more openly, from requirement generation to the proposal stage; it affords greater technology and prototype acquisition speed, getting solutions to end users sooner; and it emphasizes engaging a diverse range of technology suppliers of all sizes, casting a wider net for capturing ideas and innovations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there membership dues?
Yes, member companies pay annual dues to belong to an OT-based collaboration.
How much are membership dues?
Dues vary depending on size and type of company, differing from consortium to consortium.
What do membership dues and project award assessments pay for?
Annual dues and project award assessments pay for consortium activities, such as but not limited to: consortium support, meeting costs and support, member application processing, membership management (“good standing” tracking, etc.), executing and managing the financial processes, dues and assessment invoicing and collection, communications efforts, business development and strategic planning efforts, maintaining public and private websites, and supporting any other subcontractors.
Is being a nontraditional defense contractor a requirement to join the consortium?
No, membership is open to companies and universities which are capable of making a technical contribution to the advancement of technology that the consortium operates.
What is a nontraditional company and how to discern is my company is one?
A nontraditional is a technology provider that does not typically participate in government sponsored research and development. These companies are often small businesses or new companies. They may have innovative technologies, but they lack the contracting resources and experience to navigate the FAR. The OT model is a good way for these companies to access the federal market.
A nontraditional means “an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by the Department of Defense for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to section 1502 of title 41 and the regulations implementing such section.” 10 USC 2302(9)
For additional information on applicability of cost accounting standards, please click here.
How long will it take to get the membership application approved after a company submits?
An application with all necessary documentation and certificates can be processed in as little as 1-2 business days. However, it can take up to several weeks if an applicant needs to obtain a DD2345 or update any expired certificates (SAM.gov, DD2345, DUNS, CAGE). See Membership Requirements for a listing of all required certificates and instructions for obtaining them. If you have questions regarding these documents, please contact us at IWRP.consortium@ati.org.