Mastering Other Transactions Certificate Program: Authority, Application, and Execution

Gain a practical, mission-focused understanding of Other Transaction (OT) authority. This course equips contracting professionals to confidently plan, negotiate, and award OT agreements through structured instruction and applied exercises - ensuring compliance, flexibility, and sound decision-making. Earn 10.0 CPE/CLP credits.

Summary of Program

This course delivers a focused, practical introduction to Other Transaction (OT) authority for the contracting community. Participants learn the statutory foundation of OTs, how they differ from FAR-based instruments, and the conditions under which OT agreements are most appropriate. The curriculum emphasizes disciplined analysis, proper documentation, and sound decision-making. Through structured instruction and applied exercises, learners will develop the ability to plan, negotiate, draft, and award OT agreements. The course also provides specific guidance on working with non-traditional performers, addressing intellectual property, and applying flexible terms responsibly. Graduates will be able to execute OTs confidently and compliantly in support of mission objectives.

A certificate of completion and shareable digital badge are awarded at the end of the program.

Who Should Take the Mastering Other Transactions Certificate Program?

This course is designed for contracting officers, contract specialists, program managers, acquisition attorneys, and other acquisition professionals seeking to expand their capability in innovative contracting approaches while maintaining rigorous stewardship of public resources.

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Prerequisites

Familiarity with business operations or procurement processes
Ideal for contracting officers, contract specialists, program managers and other acquisitions professionals

What You'll Learn

Explain the statutory and policy basis for OT authority and its distinctions from FAR-based contracting
Assess when OTs are an appropriate instrument for mission needs and when traditional contracts remain more suitable
Plan, structure, and document an OT acquisition strategy that adheres to legal, fiscal, and organizational requirements
Negotiate OT terms, pricing, conditions, and milestones that responsibly leverage the flexibility afforded by the authority
Draft, refine, and award OT agreements using repeatable, compliant, and mission-focused practices
Explain the requirements and decision criteria for transitioning from prototype OTs to follow-on production OTs, and apply the procedures needed to plan, justify, and execute a legally compliant production award

Certificate Program Overview

Day 1: Foundations of Other Transaction Authority

Historical and Legislative Origins of OT Authority
Types of Other Transactions and Their Use Cases
FAR vs. Non-FAR: Structural and Practical Differences

Day 2: Determining Appropriateness and Key Acquisition Strategy Considerations

Assessing Whether an OT is the Appropriate Instrument for Your Acquisition
Legal, Business, and Programmatic Considerations
Ethics, Compliance, and Oversight in an OT Environment

Day 3: Building an OT from Requirements to Negotiation ~ Scenario Based

Crafting an Effective Solicitation
Evaluation and Selection Process
Negotiation Under OT Authority

Day 4: Drafting, Awarding, and Administering the OT ~ Scenario Based

Drafting the OT Award Document
Post-Award Administration and Performance Management
Reporting, Closeout, and Transition to Production

CMBOK Competencies

1.0 Guiding Principles
2.0 Pre-Award Life Cycle
3.0 Award Life Cycle
4.0 Post-Award Life Cycle
A: Leadership
B: Management
C: Learn

Pricing

$950 member | $1200 non-member

Membership + Certificate Course Bundle: $1100

Take advantage of this bundle and save on course fees and become a member of NCMA.
Membership is activated on the first day of the month after payment/purchase.