U.S. Army Prototype and Production Other Transaction Trends and Potential Fiscal Year 2023 national Defense Authorization Act Effects

Abstract

This study delves into the U.S. Army's utilization of Other Transactions (OTs) from Fiscal Year 2021 to 2023, guided by the strategic imperatives of the Army 2030 initiative and recent policy evolutions. Utilizing the System for Award Management (SAM) database, it identifies trends in prototype and production OT usage. The research particularly focuses on legislative changes under the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which amended 10 U.S.C. §4022 to facilitate seamless transitions from prototype to production OTs without mandatory re-competition. This modification facilitates expedited introduction of innovative technologies, aligning with a broader strategy to incorporate non-traditional partners and enhance the Army's technological edge. By addressing the analytical gap post-FY2020, the study underscores a pivotal shift in procurement practices, aligning them with the objectives of Army 2030 to foster agile technological advancements.