Rethinking Innovation in Federal Procurement : The History and Practice of Other Transaction Authorities

This timely and original guide offers the first comprehensive analysis of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) across both defense and civilian U.S. agencies. As flexible contracting tools designed to foster innovation, OTAs enable government agencies to collaborate with nontraditional contractors, accelerate technology development, and reduce acquisition barriers. Authored by Dr. Dolores Kuchina-Musina, an internationally respected authority in acquisition and contracting policy, Rethinking Innovation in Federal Procurement blends rigorous scholarship with practical insight. Drawing on historical developments, legislative milestones, and empirical case studies, she examines how Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) foster public-private partnerships that share risk, resources, and expertise, advancing innovation policy in real-world settings. She guides readers through the evolution of OTA policy, its implementation across defense and civilian sectors, and its influence on intellectual property rights, acquisition efficiency, and cross-sector collaboration. With clear writing and a balanced tone, Rethinking Innovation in Federal Procurement is accessible to professionals at all career stages. It fills a critical gap in the literature by connecting acquisition reform to innovation strategy, and by encouraging interdisciplinary engagement across public administration, economics, and technology policy. Whether you're shaping innovation policy or studying its effects, it provides a vital lens on how governments can better harness innovation through alternative contracting.