// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Middle Tier Acquisition
Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) is a rapid procurement pathway used by the Department of Defense to develop and field new capabilities much faster than traditional methods. It focuses on delivering functional prototypes or deploying existing technologies to warfighters within two to five years, bypassing extensive bureaucracy.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition pathway, authorized by Section 804 of the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), designed to accelerate capability delivery to the warfighter within five years. MTA programs use two routes: Rapid Prototyping (RP) to develop and demonstrate new capabilities, and Rapid Fielding (RF) to buy and deploy proven technologies, often bypassing the traditional Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process.
BACKGROUND
The military budget of the United States is the largest portion of the discretionary federal budget allocated to the Department of Defense (DoD), or more broadly, the portion of the budget that goes to any military-related expenditures. It pays the salaries, training, and health care of uniformed and civilian personnel, maintains arms, equipment and facilities, funds operations, and develops and buys new items. The budget funds the six branches of the US military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Critics contend that recent U.S. defense budgets have disproportionately invested in long-term developmental programs instead of producing weapons systems needed in the near term.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- MTA pathway
- Section 804 Authority
- Accelerated Acquisition
- Rapid Prototyping (RP)
- Rapid Fielding (RF)
- Agile Acquisition
USAGE NOTE
MTA is specifically used for programs with urgent operational needs or mature technologies that don't require the lengthy development and requirements process of a major defense acquisition program.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Middle Tier Acquisition.
A defense technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, utilizing a rapid, software-first approach that aligns with the principles of Middle Tier Acquisition to quickly field new capabilities.
A major aerospace and defense contractor that frequently utilizes the MTA pathway to accelerate the development and fielding of advanced technologies, such as hypersonic weapons, advanced radars, and integrated air and missile defense systems.
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company that participates in numerous MTA programs for rapid prototyping and fielding of capabilities, including electronic warfare systems, armored vehicle upgrades, and precision-guided munitions.
A software company specializing in big data analytics. Palantir's platforms are often procured and deployed through rapid acquisition pathways to provide data integration and decision-making tools to military commands.
An advanced development division of Lockheed Martin, renowned for its rapid prototyping of revolutionary aircraft and systems. Its operating model is a historical precursor to and a modern participant in MTA-style acquisition for highly advanced projects.
An aerospace and defense contractor known for rapid engineering and integration on aircraft and space systems. SNC often wins contracts under MTA authorities for programs requiring accelerated modification and fielding of existing platforms for special operations and intelligence missions.
A global aerospace and defense technology company that frequently secures MTA contracts for rapid prototyping and fielding of advanced communication, electronic warfare, and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems.
A leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The company continuously leverages rapid acquisition pathways to prototype, test, and field new sensors, payloads, and system upgrades for its family of remotely piloted aircraft.