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
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
A Look At The Numbers: 2015 Government Contracting Annual Report
Some very interesting data, trends, and analysis of government contracting, which should be of interest to government contractors, was published in a recent report by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and Bloomberg Government (Bloomberg). Some of the data should come as no surprise to firms seeing how U.S. government contracting dollars continue to be declining. According to the report, titled “Annual Review of Government Contracting, 2015 Edition,” contract spending will likely continue to fall due to budget caps and the . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – January 22, 2026
The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com . _____________________________________________ MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS GovCon M&A and Recertification: What Small Business Contractors, Investors, and Private Equity Firms Need to Know, PilieroMazza Client Alert, Samuel S. Finnerty The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size and recertification rules have always been central to government contracting. But recent regulatory changes , and where we now stand in mid-January 2026, mark a meaningful shift in the GovCon M&A landscape, . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – May 15, 2025
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . Podcasts: Listen to PilieroMazza’s podcasts GovCon Live! here , Clocking in with PilieroMazza here , and Ex Rel. Radio here . GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS 2024-2025 Bid Protest Decisions with Far-Reaching Impacts for Government Contractors, PilieroMazza Webinar Replay, Katherine B. Burrows , Eric Valle Join Katie Burrows and Eric Valle, attorneys in PilieroMazza’s Bid Protests and Government Contracts practice groups, as they . . . Read More
Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – May 1, 2025
If you have questions concerning the content below, please visit this link . Upcoming Events: Register to attend PilieroMazza’s upcoming events here . Recent Thought Leadership: Check out PilieroMazza’s recent client alerts and blogs here . Podcasts: Listen to PilieroMazza’s podcasts GovCon Live! here , Clocking in with PilieroMazza here , and Ex Rel. Radio here . GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS SWIFT to Launch May 1: DOD Fast Tracks Software Deployment Opening New Doors for Defense Contractors, PilieroMazza Blog, Samuel S. Finnerty In a decisive move to stay ahead in an era of rapidly evolving digital . . . Read More