About SpEC
The space domain is evolving at breakneck speed, but legacy acquisition systems are not. To close this gap, Space Systems Command (SSC) created the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) in 2017. As a powerful Other Transaction Authority (OTA) managed by the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL), SpEC bridges the gap between military buyers, commercial space startups, and small businesses.
Go Further With OTAs
In today’s contested and congested space domain, lengthy contracting processes like the FAR only stifle innovation.
OTAs like SpEC get prototypes on contract in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. Through SpEC, Space Force has direct access to innovative space solutions from a broad range of industry partners, delivering capabilities that traditional contracts can’t keep up with.
Benefits of Using a Consortium-Managed OTA
Consortium-managed OTAs enable flexible teaming and rapid prototyping, allowing government and industry to research, prototype, test, and scale solutions faster while reducing risk. The SpEC OTA is managed by the National Security Technology Accelerator (NTSXL), a DoW-trusted OTA consortium manager.
Government
With over 70 cumulative years of OTA acquisition experience, NSTXL works hand in hand with government acquisition programs to provide total lifecycle support. NSTXL harnesses the flexibility of OTAs to craft custom solutions tailored to the USSF’s mission needs, ensuring that government projects are executed efficiently and at-speed.
Industry
With lower barriers to entry and flexible teaming options, NSTXL members can redirect time and resources toward what matters most: designing and delivering top-tier technologies for the U.S. Warfighter. Consortium membership expands opportunities for non-traditional contractors while providing networking, events, and resources that strengthen collaboration and speed success.
The SpEC Mission
The SpEC OTA’s mission is to minimize barriers to entry for small businesses and non-traditional vendors, promote integrated research and prototyping efficiencies, and leverage partnerships to increase flexibility and agility, reduce cost, improve space defense technology, and decrease program development cycles.
Open-Access Innovation
Minimize barriers to entry for small businesses and non-traditional vendors.
Mission-Driven Acceleration
Promote integrated research and prototyping efficiencies.
Strategic Collaboration
Leverage partnerships to improve technology and decrease development cycles and costs.
Case Study: Increasing Contract Speed from the Ground Up with FORGE C2
After the government reprioritized a C2 ground capability, the FORGE program needed to develop its own ground-up solution. The FC2 team needed a rapid acquisition strategy that could deliver the next-generation ground system from the ground up.
The solution was SSC’s SpEC OTA, chosen for its ability to minimize barriers that typically follow traditional contracting methods and open the mission to a far-reaching network of non-traditional performers who had the capabilities to meet mission needs.
- Request for Prototype Project to Award in Less Than 8 Months
- 15 Non-Traditional Sub-Performers
- 4 Events Hosted by the SpEC Team
- Nominated for the John J. Welch, Jr.
Excellence in Acquisition Leadership Award
Redefining How the U.S. Defends Space
SpEC leverages OTAs to deliver space capabilities at mission speed. By breaking down traditional barriers and accelerating acquisition, SpEC empowers the government to out-innovate emerging threats, tap into emerging commercial technology, and deploy mission-critical solutions faster than ever before.
Our Technology Areas
GROUND SEGMENT
Fixed and mobile ground stations, connected by various communication links, that support command and tracking of the mission.
COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS ARCHITECHTURE
The definition and arrangement of systems to satisfy the mission’s communication, command and control requirements
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, MACHINE LEARNING
Application of AI/ML to support all aspects (ground/space/launch) of space operations
PAYLOAD - OPTICAL (VISIBILITY AND IR)
Optical associated payloads (e.g. laser, IR, etc.)
MISSION OPERATIONS AND ARCHITECTURE
Detailed assessment of how the organization will operate and control the selected mission
ALL TECHNOLOGY AREAS
SpEC in the News
Our Team
We hire the best from commercial and government workplaces to help clients and members thrive.
