The Department of Defense is changing how it brings innovation to the mission. Traditional contracting can take years to move a new technology from concept to capability. Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) were created to fix that.
OTAs give the government a faster, more flexible way to work with private industry, small businesses, and research institutions. They remove much of the red tape that slows traditional contracts while still maintaining accountability and oversight.
At Black Rock Engineering & Technology, we manage an active OTA that connects innovators directly to funded DoD opportunities. Here’s how OTAs work and how your organization can join one to start collaborating on real modernization projects.
What an OTA Is
Other Transaction Authority is a special contracting mechanism that allows specific government agencies, including the DoD, to enter into agreements outside of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
This structure was designed to help the government partner with nontraditional defense contractors that might not otherwise participate in federal acquisition. It encourages experimentation, rapid prototyping, and collaboration across industry and government.
Under an OTA, projects can move from research to prototype to production without the lengthy delays that typically accompany traditional procurement.
How an OTA Works in Practice
When a government agency identifies a mission challenge or technology gap, it can use an OTA to fund a prototype or research effort that addresses that need. The agency partners with an OTA holder, such as Black Rock Engineering & Technology, to structure and manage the agreement.
Here is what happens next:
- The OTA holder releases a project solicitation outlining the mission need or technical problem to be solved.
- Interested companies or research groups submit short concept proposals describing their solutions.
- Selected participants enter into an OTA project agreement to build, test, and deliver a prototype or capability.
- If the prototype succeeds, the project can move directly into production under a follow-on OTA or other contract.
Because OTAs are not constrained by the exact procedural requirements as FAR contracts, they allow for faster awards, flexible collaboration, and quicker results.
Why Companies Join an OTA Consortium
For innovative companies especially small businesses, startups, and research institutions joining an OTA opens the door to working with the DoD in ways once out of reach.
Members of an OTA consortium gain access to:
- DoD research and prototyping opportunities that are not available through traditional solicitations.
- A simplified proposal process with faster review and award cycles.
- A trusted network of partners and subject matter experts who understand federal compliance and cybersecurity.
- A path to transition successful prototypes directly into production without a full recompete.
For organizations with solutions ready to advance defense capabilities but lacking contracting resources or government experience, an OTA offers a practical entry point.
The Black Rock OTA
The Black Rock OTA was built to accelerate secure modernization for the Department of Defense and its partners. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Black Rock combines contracting authority, cybersecurity expertise, and mission experience to help innovative organizations bring their technologies to the field.
Joining the Black Rock OTA means working inside a proven structure that supports:
- Rapid prototyping and demonstration projects for DoD modernization initiatives.
- Secure data handling and compliance alignment with NIST, DFARS, and CMMC standards.
- Collaboration with Black Rock’s network of federal, research, and industry partners.
- Direct support from a team that understands both acquisition and operational mission requirements.
Black Rock manages the contracting, oversight, and compliance side of the process so that our partners can stay focused on developing and delivering their solutions.
How to Join the Black Rock OTA
Becoming part of the Black Rock OTA is straightforward.
- Schedule a Call with our team to discuss your organization’s capabilities, technologies, and areas of interest.
- We will review how your offerings align with upcoming DoD requirements and modernization priorities.
- Once approved, your organization becomes a member of the Black Rock OTA and can begin submitting proposals for funded prototype and research opportunities.
Participation is open to both traditional and nontraditional defense contractors, universities, and technology innovators.
The Bottom Line
OTAs are transforming how the Department of Defense acquires innovation. They give contractors a faster, more flexible, and more collaborative path to work with the government.
If your organization develops emerging technology, cybersecurity solutions, or advanced engineering capabilities, joining the Black Rock OTA is the most direct way to put them to work for the mission.
Schedule a Call with Black Rock Engineering & Technology to learn how to join our OTA and start contributing to the next generation of defense innovation.