INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR DRONE OTA CONSORTIUM - AMENDMENT 0001

The Department of War (DoW) is opening a new Drone Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Consortium and is inviting industry and academic partners to apply for participation. The consortium provides a streamlined mechanism for rapid prototyping, testing, and fielding of innovative drone systems, bypassing traditional acquisition timelines. Vendors must be registered in SAM, have a UEI, and be compliant with ITAR, EAR, and CUI protection requirements. Participation grants access to exclusive Requests for Whitepapers (RWPs) and Requests for Solutions (RFSs) and follows a three‑phase evaluation process (solution brief, live pitch/demo, full proposal). Successful vendors may be awarded prototype contracts that can range from sub‑$15 M small‑business set‑aside actions to unrestricted actions above $15 M. • Eligibility: Active SAM registration, UEI, WAWF invoicing capability, compliance with export controls and CUI protection. • Process: Submit vendor application and signed Consortium Vendor Agreement; then respond to white‑paper solicitations; optional progression to full prototype award. • Funding thresholds: ≤ $15 M (small‑business pool) or > $15 M (unrestricted pool); no specific dollar amount disclosed. • Timeline: Opportunity posted 11 Aug 2026; response deadline 28 May 2031 (5 years). • Governance: Managed by a Government Steering Committee; awards subject to funding availability; solutions may be retained in a “Solution Basket” for up to three years.