OTAs Are the Fast Track to Government Innovation—And Why Aviture Is Built to Deliver

Let's face it—if you’ve worked with the government long enough, you’ve seen innovation get buried under process. Great ideas stall in procurement cycles. Urgent needs run aground on red tape. And vendors with real solutions get boxed out by outdated rules built for buying tanks, not technology.

But that’s changing. And it’s changing fast.

On March 6^th, the Secretary of Defense released a “Directing Modern Software Acquisition to Maximize Lethality” memo calling for reform in the DoD acquisition process to “acquire, deliver, and iterate” weapon and business systems – including software – at speed and scale for the warfighter.

How?

Enter OTAs: The Government’s Innovation Accelerator

Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements are a powerful tool the government is using to shake things up. OTAs are legislatively authorized alternatives to traditional FAR-based contracts, purpose-built for R&D, prototyping, and fast-moving mission needs. Think of them as an on-ramp to innovation—faster, leaner, and more collaborative.

Instead of spending years writing a perfect spec for a product you’ve never seen, OTAs let agencies build, test, and evolve solutions in real-time with partners who can actually deliver. 

Why Should You Care?

If you’re a government program leader tired of watching timelines slip—or a prime looking for innovative partners who can move fast and ship often—OTAs should be on your radar.

Here’s why:

1. Speed Wins

OTAs let teams bypass long procurement cycles and award projects in weeks instead of years. That means faster MVPs, real-world feedback, and more responsive mission support.

2. Access to the Real Innovators

Let's be honest: most non-traditional vendors don’t have an army of contract managers who are fluent in DFARS. OTAs open the door to companies like Aviture—agile, modern, and already building solutions at commercial speed.

3. Lower Risk, Higher ROI

You don’t have to bet big on an unproven solution. OTAs allow for modular, milestone-driven work. Try something, see if it works, and scale if it does. No more “all-in” bets on vaporware.

4. Path to Production Is Baked In

Once a prototype is proven, OTAs allow for a follow-on production contract without recompetition. So you can go from idea to impact without hitting the reset button.

Why Aviture Is a Natural Fit for OTA Engagements

Aviture isn’t a traditional defense contractor. We’re a software company that has thrived by building secure, scalable platforms with real-world impact—like the Aim High app for Air Force Recruiting, or mission management tools used by airmen and diplomats alike.

We operate like a startup but understand government rigor. That’s a rare- but necessary- combination.

Here’s what you get when you work with Aviture under an OTA:

• Fast-moving, cross-functional teams used to building under pressure
• DevSecOps from day one—no bolted-on security after the fact
  
• Stakeholder engagement baked into the process, not buried under layers of comms, we don't leave value on the shelf
• Commercial sensibilities with goverment-grade accountability we build secure solutions at commercial speed
• IP and licensing models that leave room for dual-use scaling or long-term ownership

Final Thought: OTAs Aren’t Just a Contracting Hack—They’re a Mindset Shift

The government has tools to move fast and adapt. OTAs are one of them. But tools only matter if you use them well—and with the right partner.

At Aviture, we’re ready to build what's next. If you're a government customer, a program manager, or a prime looking for a nimble partner who delivers fast, let's talk.

Because the mission isn’t waiting. And neither should you.

Want help designing or executing an OTA strategy for your next project?

Contact Lauren O’Malley

lauren.omalley@aviture.us.com

(402) 205-0310