Space exploration has continued to be seen as the pinnacle of our most cutting-edge technology as a society. Given this, it’s no surprise that in recent years, one of the most innovative technological developments, artificial intelligence (AI), is being integrated into space endeavors.
Imagine a spacecraft that not only travels ►
Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) are non-traditional government contracting methods designed to help fast-track research initiatives and prototype innovation. Because OTAs are prototyping agreements, it is crucial that there are processes put in place to ensure movement of technologies beyond the initial prototype.
The ultimate goal of a prototype ►
For the United States, innovating quickly is key to maintaining a competitive edge on a global scale, and for that, non-traditional companies are needed.
Non-traditional contractors (NTDCs) are defined as small businesses that are exempt from or do not meet CAS requirements. Their funding cannot go over $500 million and ►
*Originally published by Space Systems Command
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded four contracts to Blue Origin, CACI International Inc., General Atomics, and Viasat to develop space laser communication terminal prototypes as the first of three phases in the $100 million Enterprise ►
Space debris, often referred to as “space junk,” includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration, erosion and collisions.
With over 34,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 cm and millions of smaller fragments orbiting Earth, the threat to active satellites, space missions, and even ►
July 15, 2024 – The Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) attended the 2024 Crane Congressional Breakfast and Reception in Washington, D.C. where Congressional leadership met with DoD, Indiana officials, and Industry partners for discussions that included regional microelectronics and hypersonics infrastructure development. ►
June 24, 2024 – Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded the Emergent CubeSat Technology (ECT) project to BANC3, Inc and Parabilis Space Technologies, Inc. These two Non-traditional performers will lead the effort with support from three sub-contractors: Intel Federal LLC, Princeton Satellite Systems, Inc, and Quantic X-Microwave. ECT was awarded ►
One common gripe of contracting within the government is dealing with FAR-based contracts. Enter Other Transaction Authority (OTA). These agreements aren’t just changing the game; they’re redefining how the government fosters innovation. In this exploration of Prototype OTAs, we’ll delve into their pivotal role in driving government innovation forward, ►
Photo Credit: John Ayre, DVIDs. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
On April 16, 2024, the U.S. Air Force announced two programs to be accelerated under a new authority in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization ►
May 23, 2024 – The U.S. Space Force’s Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) and Space Systems Command (SSC) have awarded Advanced Space Technology for Range Operations – Electromagnetic Range (ASTRO-E) study contracts to six companies: Nou Systems, ExoAnalytic Solutions, TMC Design, HII Mission Technologies Corp, Parsons Government Services Inc, ►
