US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies
A Tsunami USV launches a rocket during the Fleet Experimentation 2026. (Photo: US Navy)
The US Navy is increasing the use of OTA obligations to accelerate the procurement of seabed-subsea, littoral, expeditionary and uncrewed solutions.
The US Navy (USN) has been advancing with its plans to expand the use of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) obligations to facilitate the development and rapid fielding of new and emerging capabilities.
As part of this effort, the Naval Surface Warfare Centre (NSWC) published a request for proposals (RfP) last week for innovative technological solutions to address current and future security threats in diverse, multidomain environments. It is pursuing seabed-subsea, littoral, asymmetric-autonomous, mining and mine hunting, expeditionary and robotic emerging solutions.
The submission of proposals is due on 3 August 2026. Meanwhile, the agreements awarded under this mechanism can
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition]()
Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition
The decision points to deepening NATO cooperation and mounting competition in the Arctic and North Atlantic, as Canada opts for a European-designed solution despite interest from South Korea.
-
![US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies]()
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
![UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the country’s naval forces?]()
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the country’s naval forces?
Investment in nuclear submarines, autonomous systems and stronger defensive capabilities for existing vessels show a clear strategic shift in Royal Navy priorities.
-
![UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare]()
UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare
With a revised Defence Investment Plan on the way ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit on 7-8 July, the UK government has begun to reveal more details of how its future naval fleet could look.
