The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting, Part 5: Commercial Solutions Openings and NDAA FY26

In the evolving landscape of government contracting, non-FAR-based procurements, including Other Transactions Authority (OTA), have become a focal point. A key element of President Trump’s April 9, 2025, Executive Order, “ Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation In the Defense Industrial Base ,” emphasized reforming the Department of War’s (DOW) acquisition process by prioritizing Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) and OTA. In November 2025, Secretary Hegseth’s memorandum, “ Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities ,” highlighted that the Under Secretary of War for Acquisitions and Sustainment (USW(A&S)) would soon mandate the use of OTA, among other non-FAR-based procurements . . . Read More

The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting, Part 4: Capitalizing on Consortia

In this final blog of PilieroMazza’s blog series, “The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting,” we discuss DOD’s authority to award OTs to consortia and how joining a consortium may be an ideal way to “get your feet wet” if you’re a small business, non-traditional government contractor, or otherwise new to OTA. Visit this link to access Parts 1-3 in this blog series. What is a Consortium? In the context of a DOD OT, a consortium is a relationship between a . . . Read More

The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting, Part 3: Best Practices for OTA Negotiations

In this Part 3 of PilieroMazza’s blog series, “The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting,” we discuss tactics and best practices defense contractors should deploy when negotiating terms once selected for an OT award. This is essential guidance to strengthen your position and protect your interests throughout the contract’s lifecycle. Visit this link to access Parts 1 and 2 in this blog series. Flexibility = Negotiation As discussed in the previous blog, the flexibility of DOD’s OTA is key to achieving . . . Read More

The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting, Part 2: What Is It, Who’s Eligible, and Where to Find Opportunities

In Part 1 of PilieroMazza’s blog series (linked here ), we looked at how Other Transactions Authority (OTA) has emerged as a key acquisition tool for government contractors eager to work with the Department of Defense (DOD). In Part 2, we’ll unpack what OTA is, who can participate in these agreements, and where to look for OTA-related opportunities. What is an “Other Transaction”? OT generally refers to the statutory authorities allowing the federal government to enter transactions other than a typical . . . Read More

The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting, Part 1: Defense Acquisition Reform

President Trump’s April 9, 2025, Executive Order Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation In the Defense Industrial Base (EO) is likely to have major implications for federal defense contractors. This blog, the first in a three-part series about Other Transactions Authority (OTA), discusses the EO and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) use of OTA in reforming defense acquisition. For government contractors eager to work with DOD under OTA—particularly small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors with an interest in research, development, and prototyping—the EO’s preference for OTs may present a significant opportunity. . . . Read More

The Rise of OTAs in Defense Contracting: Opportunities, Risks, and What Contractors Need to Know

Click  here  to view the recorded session. As the Defense Department increasingly turns to Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements to streamline innovation and speed up procurement, contractors—especially those in the defense sector—must adapt to this rapidly evolving development. Whether you’re a seasoned government contractor or a commercial firm entering the defense space, this session offers strategic insights to help you capitalize on OTA opportunities while managing associated risks. Join  Cy Alba  and  Josie Farinelli , attorneys from  PilieroMazza’s Government Contracts Group , as they unpack: What OTAs are and . . . Read More

Warfighting at Warp Speed, Part 1: Why Defense Contractors Must Track the Department of War’s Acquisition Overhaul

The Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on November 7, 2025, that the U.S. Department of War (DOW) is dropping a game-changing memo: “ Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities .” This bold blueprint reimagines how defense capabilities are delivered—with speed, agility, and results at the forefront. But with rapid transformation comes turbulence. While the newly branded Warfighting Acquisition System promises thrilling opportunities, it also introduces uncertainty. Defense contractors should stay sharp and informed. Understanding how DOW plans to fast-track contract delivery will be key to . . . Read More

DOD Push for Commercial Item and Service Contracting Increases Defense Contracting Opportunities

PilieroMazza recently highlighted a Department of Defense (DOD) memo (linked here ) requiring DOD Components to adopt the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) as the preferred acquisition method for business and weapon system programs. The memo also recommends using the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and Other Transactions (OT) as the default solicitation and award approach (visit this link to access our blog series and webinar on “The Rise of OTA in Defense Contracting”). As DOD and other agencies are expected to increase Commercial . . . Read More