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.

To showcase our incredible staff and share their unique perspectives on the industry, we're rolling out the Get to Know NSTXL series. In each post, we'll be highlighting different employees as they share more about their experience, past projects, insight into the industry, and more.

Both employers and students can gain a lot from internships. Interns can be key in pushing boundaries and trying new things. Young innovators can oftentimes be more willing to step outside of their comfort zone because they are still defining what that comfort zone is. Students provide fresh perspectives, uninhibited potential, and have a pulse on the latest trends. On the other end, employers provide connections, real-world work experience, and insight into where someone might want to take their career. 

On May 3, 2021, the Experimental Validation Capabilities Prototype Project (EVCAPP) was awarded through the Training and Readiness Accelerator (TReX) to GaN Corporation by the Army Contracting Command – Orlando. The total potential value of this award falls just under $83 million.

The Space and Missile Systems Center’s Launch Enterprise, in collaboration with the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) and NSTXL, has released three Requests for Prototype Proposals in a call to advance next-generation rocket engine testing, upper-stage resiliency enhancements, and orbital transfer and maneuver capabilities.

In preparation for Innovate WithIN’s annual statewide competition, where students pitch an original product idea to a panel of experts, NSTXL mentors local high school students as they refine their presentation. This event gives students a chance to collaborate with industry experts and receive feedback in a boot camp-style competition series.

At NSTXL, our goal is to create a platform where innovators have direct access to the resources, connections, and training they need to build the next great solution. A large part of that initiative is providing a steady stream of events for the NSTXL Alliance, which is why we're excited for you to get to know our strategic events manager, Erin Kupcak.

Looking back across each of the OTA’s on the NSTXL Platform, we wanted to look at the growth of the S2MARTS program and explore the dynamics that helped streamline the path to award and where the future of the program is headed.