Finding Government Contract Opportunities: Beyond SAM.gov
Jun 25, 2025If you're new to government contracting or looking for faster, more flexible ways to break into the federal space, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) might be your best-kept secret.
Unlike traditional contracts that can take months to award, OTAs offer a streamlined path—especially for innovative companies in tech, biotech, cybersecurity, or advanced manufacturing.
So, what exactly is OTA?
Think of it as the government’s “fast lane” for acquiring cutting-edge technology. These agreements allow federal agencies to work with non-traditional contractors (like startups or small businesses) without the usual red tape. OTAs are often managed through consortiums—groups organized by industry that help match private-sector innovation with government needs.
You don’t need to guess where these opportunities are. There are public lists of consortiums online, covering sectors like:
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Cybersecurity and command/control systems
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Biopharmaceuticals
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Environmental energy innovation
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Weapons of mass destruction (yes, really)
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Naval aviation systems
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Medical countermeasures
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Information warfare
Joining a relevant consortium is your first step. Each has specific focus areas and publishes solicitations you can respond to—often with shorter, easier submissions than the complex proposals on SAM.gov.
For example, through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), a company might submit a short white paper (sometimes as brief as 3–5 pages). If the government is interested, you’ll move to the next round: a live or virtual pitch. This process weeds out low-fit proposals early, saving you time and effort.
Why does this matter?
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Less competition – Many businesses aren’t even aware of OTAs.
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Faster decision-making – Some contracts can move from idea to award in weeks.
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Focused opportunities – OTAs are tailored toward innovation and specific tech needs.
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Low-barrier entry – Especially valuable for startups, veterans, and small teams.
We’ve seen students in the GovClose program—many with zero background in federal sales—land contracts using this exact strategy. Whether you're aiming to start your own consulting firm or land a high-paying role in the GovCon space, OTAs are worth your attention.
If you're curious about the full process—how to find the right consortium, what to submit, how to pitch—our GovClose Certification Program walks you through every step. Students have closed their first deals within months, and many are now helping others do the same.
Ready to explore a faster path into federal contracting?\
Check out the program: www.govclose.com
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