Press Release: UTIC Awarded Major Contract for Prototyping Leading Edge Undersea and Maritime Technology
June 6, 2018
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 June 2018 Point of Contact—Molly Donohue Magee
[email protected] – 401-378-8485
Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium Awarded Major Contract
for Prototyping Leading Edge Undersea and Maritime Technology
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Newport recently announced a landmark award to the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) headquartered in Middletown, RI represented by their management firm, Advanced Technology International (ATI).
UTIC and NUWC Division Newport signed a 3-year Other Transaction (OT) agreement with options for up to 10 years. It is estimated that a minimum of $20M will be awarded annually.
“This award is excellent news for UTIC and NUWC, as it will lead to innovative and potentially groundbreaking research in the field of undersea warfare operations,” said Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Congratulations to UTIC on securing this award and thank you to NUWC and everyone who worked to make this agreement possible.”
“Rhode Island is widely recognized as a leader in the development of maritime and undersea technologies,” said Congressman Jim Langevin, a senior member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees. “This significant federal contract is a direct reflection of the industry’s growing prowess. I commend UTIC and NUWC for facilitating the collaboration and cooperation necessary to ensure Rhode Island remains well positioned to develop the next generation of undersea technologies.”
“I am proud that UTIC is based in Middletown. Advanced industries like this one are a critical part of our economy and a source of good-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman David Cicilline. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work and leadership of the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium, SENEDIA, and their partners. This agreement will directly benefit our men and women in uniform and strengthen Rhode Island’s economy.”
“UTIC is honored to be the consortium for the OT Agreement for undersea and maritime innovative technology. We have partnered with ATI, a pioneer in Other Transaction consortium management. As a team, UTIC and ATI, will manage a strong and innovative technology consortium for DoD’s undersea and maritime technology needs. We welcome companies with innovative technology to join our consortium team,” said Molly Donohue Magee, UTIC Executive Director.
“ATI is proud to partner with the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium. We look forward to supporting the development of innovative undersea and maritime technology prototypes to enhance the effectiveness of our service members and the security of our Nation. We can’t wait to get started!” elaborated Chris Van Metre, CEO and President of ATI.
OTs are legally binding instruments used to engage industry and academia for a broad range of prototyping activities. As such they represent an agile contracting process.
OTs allow for much greater speed, flexibility, and accessibility in performing prototyping activities. OTs are not standard procurement contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements and are generally not subject to all the federal laws and regulations that apply to government procurement contracts.
Prototypes developed through an OT may include physical or virtual models to evaluate the technical or manufacturing feasibility or military utility of a technology, process, concept, end item, or system.
Any commercial, nonprofit or academic institution that is part of the consortium is eligible to receive an OT award. Barriers are minimized for non-traditional companies to participate.
The process is that government customers issue calls for whitepapers to the consortium. The government may then select a small number of companies to submit a more formal proposal. Ultimately, the government selects one or more awardees and delivers funding to the selected consortium member(s), through the consortium management firm. The government may also propose new relationships between consortium members without re-soliciting white papers or proposals from the entire consortium.
It is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively and leverage industry, academia and government capabilities. It is an even greater opportunity to deliver the needed innovative solutions to the men and women of our armed forces.
“UTIC is a national consortium representing undersea and maritime technology across large and small businesses, academia, and non-profit organizations. This community will leverage its unique skills, experience and expertise to provide needed innovative technology to the U.S. defense community,” said Lee Silvestre, UTIC Manager.
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The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium, www.underseatech.org, 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. Our Consortium-based model welcomes participation by organizations – both traditional and non-traditional – who have technologies that can contribute to undersea and maritime domain applications.
