How Do OTAs Work, and How Do You Join One?
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. […]
What Are the Cyber Requirements in OTAs and How Do You Meet Them?
For defense innovators, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) have become the fastest way to collaborate with the Department of Defense. They let technology companies, research teams, and nontraditional contractors move ideas from prototype to production more rapidly than traditional contracting ever could. But faster does not mean easier. While OTAs offer flexibility in acquisition, they do […]
How Should CISOs Secure OTA Prototypes Without Slowing Delivery?
When speed and innovation drive the mission, security can feel like the one factor holding everything back. For defense programs operating under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA), the challenge is clear: move fast enough to deliver results while remaining secure enough to meet the Department of Defense’s expectations. For Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and […]
OTA vs FAR Contracts: Which Path Fits Your Project and Why?
When defense innovators want to bring new technology to the mission, the question often comes down to how. The answer usually lies in choosing between a traditional FAR-based contract and an OTA (Other Transaction Authority). Both are valid, but only one offers the flexibility and speed needed to get innovation from concept to deployment without […]
How OTAs Work for Defense Prototyping and Production
In defense modernization, bridging the gap between breakthrough ideas and deployable systems is risky under rigid procurement. Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) provide a gateway, allowing the Department of Defense to sidestep certain traditional acquisition constraints, especially during prototyping and scaling to production. When used correctly, OTAs can compress timelines, reduce administrative burden, and attract nontraditional […]
What Is an OTA and When Should You Use One?
In federal contracting, few tools offer as much flexibility or speed as an OTA, short for Other Transaction Authority. It has become a go-to mechanism for agencies and contractors that need to move innovation into the field faster without getting stuck in long acquisition cycles. At Black Rock Engineering & Technology, we work with organizations […]
The Role of Cybersecurity in Successful Modernization
Modernization isn’t just about upgrading technology for improved performance; it’s also a critical opportunity to enhance cybersecurity. In regulated industries, security is inextricably linked to the success of modernization. If your upgrades don’t improve your security posture, you’re missing a significant part of the ROI. Why Cybersecurity Must Be Built In When you modernize without […]
How to Build Leadership Buy-In for Modernization Projects
Even when the need for modernization is obvious to IT, securing leadership approval can be challenging. Budgets are tight, competing priorities abound, and executives demand proof of ROI before committing to significant investments. The good news is that, with the right approach, you can transform modernization from a “nice-to-have” into a business-critical initiative that leadership […]
Signs Your Organization Is Overdue for Modernization
Technology modernization doesn’t happen on autopilot. Many organizations delay upgrades until a crisis forces action, but by then, costs are higher, timelines are shorter, and the risk of non-compliance is greater. Spotting the warning signs early gives you the time to plan, budget, and execute without unnecessary disruption. Sign 1: Frequent System Downtime If your […]
Bridging the Gap Between IT and Compliance Teams During Modernization
Modernization projects succeed when IT and compliance teams work together. Unfortunately, in many organizations, these teams operate in silos, resulting in misaligned priorities, unmet requirements, and costly rework. Bridging the gap between technical implementation and regulatory oversight is critical for delivering upgrades that are both functional and compliant. Challenge 1: Different Priorities When these priorities […]