WHAT IS AN OTA?

An “Other Transaction Agreement” (OTA) is a streamlined vehicle that brings innovative research findings and state-of-the-art technologies from industry to the federal government. OT-based collaborations are not subject to some of the regulations that apply to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based acquisitions. OTs enable fast acquisition of critically-needed technologies.

WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT USE OTAs?

  • BARDA uses OTAs to further its advanced research and development goals, promote innovation, and support the mission of the HHS Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise
  • BARDA uses OTAs as a type of flexible, strategic partnership between the government and industry to foster innovation and promote collaboration
  • Unlike the FAR, the OT-based consortium model allows government and industry to communicate more openly, from requirement generation to the proposal stage
  • OTAs affords greater technology and prototype acquisition speed, getting solutions to end users sooner
  • OTAs emphasizes engaging a diverse range of technology suppliers of all sizes, casting a wider net for capturing ideas and innovations
  • OTAs enable faster contracting through long-term agreements between industry and Government that establish baseline terms and conditions (with the flexibility for negotiated modifications on a project-by-project basis)

The OT consortium enterprise is good government in action—the competition it promotes between large, traditional R&D providers, academic institutions, and small and nontraditional suppliers drives innovation across the entire US economy.

RRPV OTA Model Government/Industry Collaboration
Open Communications = More Relevant Technology Solutions

WHY DO I WANT TO JOIN?

Unlike the FAR, 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 by casting a wider net for capturing ideas and innovations.

View frequently asked questions and learn more about joining RRPV.

Any company, university, or research organization with expertise in the technology areas specifically related to the RRPV mission.

  1. Clearly demonstrate in their membership application that they are capable of making a contribution in RRPV technologies and other relevant subjects, technology, and capability domains as may be required in order to fully support the needs of the U.S Government;
  2. Contribute their respective talents and resources to the Consortium for activities such as periodic meeting attendance, committee and subcommittee participation, and other activities as may be appropriate;
  3. Not transfer membership to any third party;
  4. Not be barred or suspended from contracting with or receiving funds from the U.S. Government;
  5. Not be itself or utilize entities included on the U.S. Department of Treasury and/or Department of Commerce’s prohibited source list of embargoed and sanctioned countries under their Project Agreements;
  6. Comply with all applicable export control laws and regulations of the United States, including the Arms Export Control Act (“AECA”), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”), the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”), and other U.S. Government directives related to export control;
  7. Comply with all applicable U.S. antitrust laws;
  8. Respond to periodic CMF requests for verification of membership capability profile information; and,
  9. Abide by the terms of the Consortium Member Agreement.

There is no initiation fee and there are no annual membership dues.

Typically 1-2 business days if the application is complete. If an application is incomplete, the Consortium Management Firm will reach out to the applicant to discuss any missing elements.