OTA

What is an OTA?

An Other Transaction (OT) Agreement is a streamlined purchasing vehicle that brings innovative research findings and state-of-the-art prototypes from industry to the federal government. OT-based collaborations are not subject to some of the regulations that apply to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based acquisitions. OTs enable fast acquisition of critically-needed technologies.

Why does BARDA use OTs?

1
BARDA uses OTs to further its advanced research and development goals, promote innovation, and support the mission of the HHS Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise.
2
BARDA uses OTs as a type of flexible, strategic partnership between the government and industry to foster innovation and promote collaboration.
3
The OT-based consortium model allows government and industry to communicate more openly, from requirement generation to the proposal stage
4
OTs affords greater technology and prototype acquisition speed, getting solutions to end users sooner
5
OTs emphasizes engaging a diverse range of technology suppliers of all sizes, casting a wider net for capturing ideas and innovations
6
OTs enable faster contracting through long-term agreements between industry and Government that establish baseline terms and conditions (with the flexibility for negotiated modifications on a project-by-project basis)

The OT authority consortium enterprise is good government in action—the competition it promotes between large, traditional R&D providers, academic institutions, and small and nontraditional suppliers drives innovation across the entire US economy.

Government gains a better understanding of state-of-the-art industry capabilities.

Industry gains insight into Government needs, expectations, and priorities.

The OT model provides flexibility for better Government/Industry collaboration.

Why do I want to join?

The OT-based consortium model allows government and industry to communicate more openly from requirement generation to the proposal stage; it affords greater technology and prototype acquisition speed, getting solutions to end-users sooner; and it emphasizes engaging a diverse range of technology suppliers by casting a wider net for capturing ideas and innovations.

View frequently asked questions and learn more about joining the BioMaP-Consortium.

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