UTIC Members Have Been Awarded $300 Million in Contracts to Date
The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) announced that the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWC) has executed a three-year extension of the Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for Undersea and Maritime Technology Innovation. This extension builds on the past three years of UTIC’s support for the Navy, during which time the consortium has fostered a national community of industry leaders to advance and accelerate undersea and maritime technology innovation in support of Navy needs.
This OTA was first issued in June 2018 with an option of extending up to 10 years total. In the first three years alone, UTIC members have received about $300 million in contracts.
“UTIC represents some of the most innovative companies in the nation. Through this partnership, the Navy has fast and efficient access to leading edge undersea and maritime technology,” said Molly Donohue Magee, UTIC executive director, who also serves as executive director of the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA). “Our national defense is stronger thanks to this community of best-in-class experts, and our UTIC members continue to successfully compete for exciting and rewarding undersea and maritime technology opportunities in support of Navy needs.”
In addition to about $300 million in awards, more than 200 proposals have been placed in a “basket” provision. These proposals have gone through source selection and may be considered for award for up to 36 months after submission. The basket is a powerful tool that allows the government to award OTA prototype projects expeditiously, and effectively use funds that may become available later. Six awards have been made so far from the basket provision.
According to Ron Vien, NUWC Division Newport’s Technical Director, “What is most impressive is the innovation. In just three years, UTIC is delivering solutions to quickly fill critical Navy needs. The increased communication and collaboration are definitely driving innovation.”
UTIC facilitates access to technical leaders to help industry innovators compete for opportunities at a national scale. The Consortium also serves as a convener, providing professional networking opportunities to learn, share ideas and resources, such as the National Defense Innovation Days, which will be virtual this year. UTIC is serving as a 2021 sponsor of the event, which will be hosted by SENEDIA, Aug. 30-31.
“Defense Innovation Days is SENEDIA’s signature event and is a major opportunity for defense leaders. This year it will focus on a discussion of the impact of Sea Power, Cybersecurity, Climate, and Foreign Affairs on our national defense,” added Donohue Magee. “UTIC members will be well represented at the event and will be able to join this important national conversation on the needs, challenges, and opportunities of our industry.”
Of UTIC’s approximately 300 members, 73 percent are non-traditional defense contractors and 70 percent are small businesses. The U.S. Department of Defense actively seeks innovative research and technology from companies and academic institutions that have not typically done business with the government in the past. These non-traditional organizations can provide unique and critical capabilities and team up with traditional defense contractors to augment their solutions. Sixty-five percent of the proposals selected for award have been to non-traditional organizations.
Advanced Technology International (ATI) serves as the consortium management firm for the OTA. “UTIC has proven to be a highly effective collaboration in delivering innovative solutions to critical needs quickly,” said Chris Van Metre, ATI President and CEO. “ATI is honored to continue its partnership with SENEDIA in serving the outstanding organizations that comprise UTIC, as we look forward to support NUWC-Newport and the Navy for years to come.”
The OTA consortium model helps the federal government reach innovative solutions from non-traditional partners and expand its industrial base. The model also helps non-traditional companies transition their products to the federal government through training and networking opportunities.
Learn more about UTIC and the benefits of membership on its website, www.UnderseaTech.org. More information on the SENEDIA Defense Innovation Days is available online, and registration for this virtual event will open soon.
About the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC):
UTIC promotes the rapid development, prototyping and commercialization of innovative undersea and maritime technology and advances learning in the undersea and maritime sector for commercial, academic, and defense organizations. UTIC welcomes participation by organizations – both traditional and non-traditional – who have technologies that can contribute to undersea and maritime domain applications. UTIC is supported by Advanced Technology International.
