How Agencies can use Other Transaction Authorities to Meet Mission Goals

The term “Other Transaction Authority” (OTA) stems from statutory provisions that allow certain federal agencies to enter into transactions with commercial entities using nontraditional procurement methods and contract terms. While OTAs have been around in NASA since 1958 and within the Department of Defense since 1989, they have experienced significant growth in recent years following expansion under the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

I was honored to moderate our latest roundtable session, "Agency Use of Other Transactions Authorities: Insights from the Past and Recommendations for the Future."  IBM Consulting leader for DOD Mike Libutti joined us as authors Jason Knudson and Stan Soloway explained, in layman’s terms, what OTAs are and their history. The authors further discussed with our roundtable particpants:

•     To what extent do agencies use different strategies to award OTAs?
•     How effective are OTAs in achieving their stated goals of attracting new and innovative solutions and providers to government?
•     To what extent do OTAs align, or not, with the tenets of public procurement?
•     How prepared are government agencies to utilize OTAs effectively?
•     How does the changing technology landscape impact the need or value of OTAs?

Watch our virtual roundtable event, "Agency Use of Other Transactions Authorities: Insights from the Past and Recommendations for the Future” to better understand OTAs.