DoD/DoW Acquisitions: Leveraging OTA and CSO for FY27 Contract Wins

Through section 1823 of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) now has the authority to execute a monumental shift in defense acquisition. Previously, the use of OTA (Other Transaction Authority) and CSO (Commercial Solutions Opening) contracts were limited to "innovative" commercial solutions - that has changed. The Pentagon has expanded the use of OTAs and CSOs to virtually ANY product or service in support of DoW missions.

The objective: To streamline the commercial acquisition process to provide both DoW procurement and the DIB (Defense Industrial Base) a significantly faster acquisition path. Because this is outside of the DFAR/FAR based contracting process these purchases are often NOT published on SAM.gov.

What this means

1. OTAs and CSOs strategies give KOs (Contracting Officers) greater flexibility
2. OTAs and CSOs come with different rules, processes, and expectations that defense contractors need to understand before pursuing an opportunity - or even knowing that opportunity exists.
3. Companies who understand OTAs and CSOs can effectively "guide" KOs to use that acquisition strategy to quickly obligate funds, meet budgetary deadlines and minimize the competition.

What you will learn

This briefing provides a practical guide to using OTA and CSO in the current Department of War contracting environment. Participants will learn how these acquisition approaches work, when KOs can use them, what contractors need to know before responding, and how to position their companies for opportunities in FY27.

Recommended Attending Personnel:

ALL DIB CONTRACTORS and any company including companies offering IT, cybersecurity, logistics, healthcare support, staffing, facilities maintenance, equipment, training, or professional services - virtually any product or service supporting defense operations.

Feedback from past attendees:

• "Very informative, great for people trying to break into the defense sector."
• "Great information!"
• "Great stuff!! I have been in the DoD world for a decade now, but there's always something I didn't know and you all provided it."

Important: This briefing uses a Zoom-based communication connection via your network. This briefing will be accessible via phone if you are unable to connect online and recorded versions will be distributed with closed-caption for the hearing impaired. Instructions for login will be provided upon registration.