The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is using bailing agreements, a contracting method, to test out commercial products before finalizing purchases, C4ISRnet reported Thursday.
Bailing agreements allow agencies to test technologies out, make assessments and send feedback to the commercial source before finally issuing contracts.
NGA first issued three bailment agreements in 2019, made another five in 2020 and now plans to have enacted 20 by the end of 2021.
Dave Gauthier, head of commercial geospatial intelligence at NGA, said bailment agreements have helped the agency access and integrate commercial technologies at faster speeds.
For example, the agency used this method on a contract for Geospark Analytics’ artificial intelligence platform, which forecasts threats based on open-source intelligence. NGA tested and assessed the tool via a bailment agreement before issuing a contract.
Related Articles
The United States’ review of the AUKUS security partnership is expected to conclude this fall, Axios reported Wednesday. Led by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, the review is examining how the trilateral agreement, which began under the Biden administration, aligns with the priorities of the Trump administration. Colby previously voiced skepticism over how U.S. resources are allocated under AUKUS, though he also said Washington should “do everything we can to make this work.” Learn about the latest AUKUS trilateral agreement developments at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit, where maritime leaders and Navy experts will address the most critical
The U.S. Army has issued an organization-wide memo to guide the optimization of systems critical to operations. Signed by Leonel Garciga, the service’s chief information officer and a two-time Wash100 winner, the Defense Business System, or DBS, Determination and Implementation Guidance offers clarifications, ensures accountability and enhances governance of the Army’s IT infrastructure. What Is DBS? A DBS is an IT system being used within the Department of Defense to support core business operations, including financial management, budgeting, planning, contracting, logistics, and human resources training and management. It does not cover systems that are utilized for military, intelligence and national
The Catalyst Accelerator has named the six small businesses that will participate in its directed energy and electromagnetic warfare cohort. From August to November, the cohort will meet every two weeks to collaborate with subject matter experts and engage with government and commercial navigators to build connections and develop technologies for the warfighter. The cohort, The Catalyst Accelerator’s 15th overall, is the first to be executed in partnership with the U.S. Space Force’s Space Security and Defense Program. “The Space Security and Defense Program is excited to see such a diverse set of technologies in the Electromagnetic Warfare and Directed