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?

  • 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
  • BARDA uses OTs as a type of flexible, strategic partnership between the government and industry to foster innovation and promote collaboration
  • The OT-based consortium model allows government and industry to communicate more openly, from requirement generation to the proposal stage
  • OTs affords greater technology and prototype acquisition speed, getting solutions to end users sooner
  • OTs emphasizes engaging a diverse range of technology suppliers of all sizes, casting a wider net for capturing ideas and innovations
  • 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.

Image of a government person icon with a chat bubble to an industry person icon. Government gains a better understanding of state-of-the-art industry capabilities. Industry gains insights into Government needs, expectations and priorities. The OT model provides flexibility for better Government/Industry collaboration.

Open Communications = More Relevant Technology Solutions

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.