OTA Successes: Beyond the Prototype

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 is to implement it into DoD systems, where it can enact real change. To accomplish this, collaboration between DoD and their associated project performers is crucial. Project Success is a unique offering NSTXL provides to further support the advancement of crucial government technology, going beyond conventional support, and providing a comprehensive framework for active, awarded projects. Though it can seem challenging, many prototyping projects do see success beyond their initial scope of work. Here are a few examples. 

Neptune: Off-the-Shelf DoD Tech  

The Neptune Payload prototype project was awarded through the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) OTA in 2021 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 Neptune project solution has seen much success past prototype. Epiq Solutions’ design caught the attention of multiple DoD offices, and it has been integrated into several government programs to date. Epiq Solutions has received so many inquiries that they are currently in the process of creating large-scale production capabilities so that it can be sold “off-the-shelf.” Their RF payload design is lightweight and agile and has many potential use cases across the DoD. The NSTXL Project Success team is still supporting Epiq with post-prototype integrations. 

PCBAT: JFAC Lab Integration 

The Navy created the Printed Circuit Board Analysis Tool (PCBAT) project in order to obtain the technology necessary in order to automate assessing the physical configuration, condition, and provenance of electronics and associated components on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). This project was awarded in January of 2021 to Edaptive Computing, Inc and Kopis Mobile LLC, who were tasked with creating this tool in order to manage security risks associated with circuit boards within the DoD. 

The two performers created their prototypes, and the technology developed in Phase I is already being integrated into many government programs today. The Joint Federated Assurance Center (JFAC) offices have integrated this technology into ten labs and are utilizing the tool already. Demand for this adaptive technology is high across government offices, who recognize the need and the potential for the tool. PCBAT continues to mature as it moves through the down select process into Phase III. 

ASTRO-E: From Idea to Design 

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) and Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded Advanced Space Technology for Range Operations – Electromagnetic Range (ASTRO-E) study contracts to six performers in 2024 through the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) OTA.  

The ASTRO-E study contracts were awarded to provide enhancements for the creation of a new test and training facility for Electronic Warfare technologies for SSC. The project is currently transitioning into Phase II, which includes the design of the Electromagnetic Range. This project is significant because it started out in a unique way: with a request for white papers based on how performers envisioned the solution. Now, thanks to the efficiency and moldability of the OTA, the project is moving into the design phase, where tangible plans for the new testing center will be made.  

These post-prototype successes were made possible thanks to the support of the NSTXL Project Success team. By tracking milestones, encouraging collaboration and open conversation and providing support where needed, performers were set up for success. When support is provided along the way and beyond the initial scope of work, projects have a higher chance of making it past the prototyping phase, into production and eventually into the hands of the warfighter. 

About S²MARTS

The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS), managed by NSTXL, is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division created S²MARTS to grow and engage an elite network of innovators, shorten the path to defense prototype development, and advance national security efforts.