The Precise Space Flight Experiment has been awarded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to Tyvak Nano Satellite Systems, Inc. This prototype, released through the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), will develop a spacecraft for new Very Low Earth Orbit missions with a plan to launch in 2024.

On 15 September 2021, the Radio Frequency Generation (RFGEN) Subsystem Development and Integration (SDI) Prototype Effort was awarded through the TReX OTA by the Army Contracting Command – Orlando. The prototype project was officially awarded to Amherst Systems Inc - A Northrop Grumman Corporation located in Williamsville, NY.

The Neptune Payload prototype project has been awarded through the S2MARTS OTA to design and prototype a subminiature multi-mission RF payload for the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division. The project was awarded to teams from Lockheed Martin, D-TA, and Epiq Design Solutions.

The S2MARTS OTA, managed by NSTXL, has been awarded authority allowing the consortium to carry out basic, applied, and advanced research projects in accordance with 10 U.S.C. §4021– (formerly 2371), in addition to their existing agreement for prototype projects under 10 U.S.C. §4022– (formerly 2371b). This award marks a huge milestone for the S2MARTS OTA and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, as now both research and prototype projects can be accomplished under one OTA framework.

On August 10, 2021, the Beyond 3D prototype project OTA was awarded to CAE USA Mission Solutions Inc (CAE MSI) through the Training and Readiness Accelerator (TReX) OTA vehicle. Through this award, following a virtual Project TalX and Innovator NetworX event, one of our most robust teaming rosters to date came to fruition with CAE USA as the prime with 11 sub-vendors.

We are excited to welcome the 600th member to the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC)! The exponential growth of the SpEC network continues to pioneer the next generation of space technology and capabilities to support modern-day missions. Designed as an alternative to traditional contracting vehicles, the SpEC OTA helps fast-track research initiatives and prototype development, increasing speed to award by nearly 40%.

The S2MARTS OTA, powered by NSTXL, would like to announce the award of the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes – Commercial (RAMP-C) project.  This highly critical project was awarded to two performers, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Intel Technologies, with impact to our national security and supply chain within the microelectronics ecosystem.

In a hybrid session last month, co-hosted by the NavalX Midwest Tech Bridge and NSTXL, panelists discussed how to leverage Other Transaction Authorities (OTA), specifically Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS), to deliver innovative solutions to the Warfighter, how to utilize the innovation ecosystem to address program needs and how to foster a collaborative partnership with ecosystem enablers such as NSTXL and NavalX.

The National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) and the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) unveiled the new SpEC logo at the 36th Space Symposium. SpEC serves as the Space Systems Command’s prototyping and rapid acquisition tool for fueling DoD space advancement and pushing the boundaries of prototype development.

For August’s Get to Know NSTXL series, we are highlighting S2MARTS Deputy Director Tony Kestranek. Tony joined NSTXL in November of 2020 and brought with him an undying passion for supporting the Warfighter, which he exemplifies every day through his tireless efforts to ensure that we are getting the most effective technology to those on the frontlines- as quickly as possible.

As emerging technologies enter the market, it’s imperative to stay up to date on the latest trends the Department of Defense is focused on. Currently making waves across the defense innovation space: hypersonics. So what is a hypersonic weapon?

The conversation around cybersecurity has become increasingly important for the DoD as they face an ever-growing need for proactivity in security regulations with industry partners. CMMC was designed to provide increased insurance to the DoD for controlled unclassified information.