ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

An "Other Transaction Agreement" or "Other Transaction Authority" (OTA) is a streamlined vehicle that brings innovative research findings and state-of-the-art prototypes from industry to the Federal Government. Congress created the first OTA as a contractual tool for NASA to acquire and apply breakthrough technologies at the advent of the Space Race. Today, OTAs enable fast acquisition of critically needed technologies in areas as diverse as armaments, satellites, medical devices, and electromagnetic spectrum technologies... It emphasizes engaging a diverse range of technology suppliers of all sizes, casting a wider net for capturing ideas and innovations... The OTA-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.

Also known as: Advanced Technology International, ATI, ATI and/or MCDC