Consortiums
Has numerous advantages over FAR-based contracting
• Speed, agility, and flexibility
• Collaborative and Competitive
• Facilitates networking and teaming among the membership
• Improved dialogue between government and consortium
• Significant non-traditional and small business participation in meaningful R&D
C5 accelerates the development and deployment of new capabilities to the Warfighter through the use of Other Transaction Authority. C5 gives members an innovative and commonsense acquisition mechanism for development of new technologies and products to meet government customer requirements.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense requested that the Army establish a new OTA to address C4ISR and cyber-technology requirements. In response, C5 was formed. Based upon the simplicity and transparency of its business model, C5 was awarded an initial three-year, OTA with the Army in July 2014, and a 10-year, no-ceiling, follow-on OTA in April 2017. In April 2018, the Marine Corps Systems Command signed a 5-year no-ceiling agreement with C5 for the use of OTA.
The Government, in conjunction with VLC, performs a coordinated research and development program designed to develop prototype aviation technologies. Under this Agreement, the Government, along with the non-government members from VLC, can perform coordinated planning and research and development prototype efforts.
The Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) was created in 2017 through the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. SpEC was created to bridge the cultural gap between military buyers and commercial space startups and small businesses through OTAs. The OTA’s innovative contracting process allows SpEC to solicit bids from a mix of member companies including companies that have not previously done work with the DoD. The SpEC OTAs mission is to work to:
- Minimize barriers to entry for small businesses and non-traditional vendors
- Promote integrated research and prototyping efficiencies
- Leverage partnerships to increase flexibility and agility, reduce cost, improve technology and decrease program development cyclesÂ
The Naval Aviation Systems Consortium (NASC) has been formed to support the technology needs of the Naval Air Warfare Centers (NAWCs) and the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) through the use of Other Transaction (OT) Authority. NASC is being built as an agile, collaborative and enduring enterprise with worldÂ-class capabilities that will provide the Navy with broad reach, robust competition and a comprehensive range of technology solutions. Through its unique structure, consortium members will be able to work with the Government to identify opportunities, target their technology offerings, expand into new markets and grow their businesses.
Consortium Management Group, Inc. (CMG) manages the Consortium and administers the Other Transaction Agreement with Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), serving as an independent, transparent single interface between members and the Government.
