PART 1827
PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   1827.000                              Scope of part.

SUBPART            1827.3       PATENT RIGHTS UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
1827.301                              Definitions.
1827.302                              Policy.
1827.303                              Contract clauses.
1827.303-70                         NASA solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
1827.304                              Procedures.
1827.304-1                           General.
1827.304-2                           Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies.
1827.304-3                           Contracts for construction work or architect-engineer services.
1827.304-4                           Subcontracts.
1827.304-5                           Appeals.
1827.305                              Administration of the patent rights clauses.
1827.305-3                           Follow-up by Government.
1827.305-370                       NASA patent rights and new technology follow-up Procedures.
1827.305-371                       New technology reporting plan.
1827.305-4                           Conveyance of invention rights acquired by the Government.

SUBPART            1827.4       RIGHTS IN DATA AND COPYRIGHTS
1827.404                              Basic rights in data clause.
1827.405                              Other data rights provisions.
1827.406                              Acquisition of data.
1827.408                              Cosponsored research and development activities.
1827.409                              Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
1827.409-70                         NASA contract clause.

 

PART 1827
PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS

1827.000   Scope of part.
  This part prescribes NASA policies, procedures, and contract clauses pertaining to patents, data, and copyrights. The provisions of FAR Part 27 apply to NASA acquisitions unless specifically excepted in this part.

Subpart 1827.3--Patent Rights Under Government Contracts

1827.301   Definitions.
     "Administrator," as used in this subpart, means the Administrator of NASA or a duly authorized representative.
     "Contract," as used in this subpart, means any actual or proposed contract, agreement, understanding, or other arrangement, and includes any assignment, substitution of parties, or subcontract executed or entered into thereunder.
     "Made," in lieu of the definition in FAR 27.301, as used in this subpart, means conceived or first actually reduced to practice; provided, that in the case of a variety of plant, the date of determination (as defined in Section 41(d) of the Plant Variety Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 2401(d)) must also occur during the period of contract performance.
     "Reportable item," as used in this subpart, means any invention, discovery, improvement, or innovation of the contractor, whether or not patentable or otherwise protectible under Title 35 of the United States Code, made in the performance of any work under any NASA contract or in the performance of any work that is reimbursable under any clause in any NASA contract providing for reimbursement of costs incurred before the effective date of the contract. Reportable items include, but are not limited to, new processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter, and improvements to, or new applications of, existing processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter. Reportable items also include new computer programs, and improvements to, or new applications of, existing computer programs, whether or not copyrightable or otherwise protectible under Title 17 of the United States Code.
     "Subject invention," in lieu of the definition in FAR 27.301, as used in this subpart, means any reportable item that is or may be patentable or otherwise protectible under Title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant that is or may be protectible under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.).

1827.302   Policy.
     (a)  Introduction.
           (i)   NASA policy with respect to any invention, discovery, improvement, or innovation made in the performance of work under any NASA contract or subcontract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization and the allocation of related property rights is based upon Section 305 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2457) (the Act); and, to the extent consistent with this statute, the Presidential Memorandum on Government Patent Policy to the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, dated February 18, 1983, and Section 1(b)(4) of Executive Order 12591. NASA policy with respect to any invention made in the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work with a small business firm or a nonprofit organization is based on 35 U.S.C. Chapter 18, as amended.
           (ii)  NASA contracts subject to Section 305 of the Act shall ensure the prompt reporting of reportable items in order to protect the Government's interest and to provide widest practicable and appropriate dissemination, early utilization, expeditious development, and continued availability for the benefit of the scientific, industrial, and commercial communities and the general public.
     (b)  Contractor right to elect title.
           (i)   For NASA contracts, the contractor right to elect title only applies to contracts with small businesses and non-profit organizations. For other business entities, see subdivision (ii) of this paragraph.
           (ii)  Contractor right to request a waiver of title.  For NASA contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization (contracts subject to Section 305 of the Act),it is the policy of NASA to waive the rights (to acquire title) of the United States (with the reservation of a Government license set forth in FAR 27.302(c) and the march-in rights of FAR 27.302(f) and 1827.302(f)) in and to any subject invention if the Administrator determines that the interests of the United States will be served. This policy, as well as the procedures and instructions for such waiver of rights, is stated in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1. Waiver may be requested in advance of contract award for any or all of the subject inventions, or for individually identified subject inventions reported under the contract. When waiver of rights is granted, the contractor's right to title, the rights reserved by the Government, and other conditions and obligations of the waiver shall be included in an Instrument of Waiver executed by NASA and the party receiving the waiver.
           (iii) It is also a policy of NASA to consider for a monetary award, when referred to the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board, any subject invention reported to NASA in accordance with this subpart, and for which an application for patent has been filed.
     (c)  Government license.  For each subject invention made in the performance of work under a NASA contract with other than a small business firm or nonprofit organization and for which waiver of rights has been granted in accordance with 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1, the Administrator shall reserve an irrevocable, nonexclusive, nontransferable, royalty-free license for the practice of such invention throughout the world by or on behalf of the United States or any foreign Government in accordance with any treaty or agreement of the United States.
     (d)  Government right to receive title.  Under any NASA contract with other than a small business or nonprofit organization (i.e., those contracts subject to Section 305(a) of the Act), title to subject inventions vests in NASA when the determinations of Section 305(a)(1) or 305(a)(2) have been made. The Administrator may grant a waiver of title in accordance with 14 CFR Section 1245.
     (e)  Utilization reports.  For any NASA contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization, the requirements for utilization reports shall be as set forth in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1, and any Instrument of Waiver executed under those Regulations.
     (f)  March-in rights.  For any NASA contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization, the march-in rights shall be as set forth in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1, and any Instrument of Waiver executed under those Regulations.
     (g)  Preference for United States industry.  Waiver of the requirement for the agreement for any NASA contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization shall be in accordance with the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245,
Subpart 1.
     (iMinimum rights to contractor.
           (1)  For NASA contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization (i.e., those contracts subject to Section 305(a) of the Act), where title to any subject inventions vests in NASA, the contractor is normally granted, in accordance with 14 CFR 1245, a revocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license in each patent application filed in any country and in any resulting patent. The license extends to any of the contractor's domestic subsidiaries and affiliates within the corporate structure, and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope to the extent the contractor was legally obligated to do so at the time the contract was awarded. The license and right are transferable only with the approval of the Administrator, except when transferred to the successor of that part of the contractor's business to which the invention pertains.
           (2)  The Administrator is the approval authority for revoking or modifying a license. The procedures for revocation or modification are described in 37 CFR 404.10 and 14 CFR 1245.108.

1827.303 Contract clauses.
     (a) (1) (A) See 1827.303-70(a).
                (B)  To qualify for the clause at FAR 52.227-11, a prospective contractor may be required to represent itself as either a small business firm or a nonprofit organization. If there is reason to question the status of the prospective contractor, the contracting officer may file a protest in accordance with FAR 19.302 if small business firm status is questioned, or require the prospective contractor to furnish evidence of its status as a nonprofit organization.
          (5)  Alternate IV to 52.227-11 is not used in NASA contracts. See instead 1827.303-70(a).

     (b)  (1) (ii) FAR 52.227-12 is not used in NASA contracts. See instead 1827.303-70(b).
     (c)  (1) (ii)  When work is to be performed outside the Untied States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico by contractors that are not domestic firms, see 1827.303-70(f).
           (2)  See 1827.303-70(b) and (f).
     (d) (1)  When one of the conditions in FAR 27.303(d)(1)(i) through (iv) is met, the contracting officer shall consult with the installation intellectual property counsel to determine the appropriate clause.

1827.303-70 NASA solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
     (a)  When the clause at FAR 52.227-11 is included in a solicitation or contract, it shall be modified as set forth at 1852.227-11.
     (b)  The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology, in all NASA solicitations and contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization (i.e., those subject to section 305(a) of the Act), if the contract is to be performed in the United States, its possessions, or Puerto Rico and has as a purpose the performance of experimental, developmental, research, design, or engineering work. Contracts for any of the following purposes may be considered to involve the performance of work of the type described above (these examples are illustrative and not limiting):
           (1)  Conduct of basic or applied research.
           (2)  Development, design, or manufacture for the first time of any machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter to satisfy NASA's specifications or special requirements.
           (3)  Development of any process or technique for attaining a NASA objective not readily attainable through the practice of a previously developed process or technique.
           (4)  Testing of, evaluation of, or experimentation with a machine, process, concept, or technique to determine whether it is suitable or could be made suitable for a NASA objective.
           (5)  Construction work or architect-engineer services having as a purpose the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work or test and evaluation studies involving such work.
           (6)  The operation of facilities or the coordination and direction of the work of others, if these activities involve performing work of any of the types described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this section.
     (c)  The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 1852.227-71, Requests for Waiver of Rights to Inventions, in all solicitations that include the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology (see paragraph (b) of this section).
     (d)  The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.227-72, Designation of New Technology Representative and Patent Representative, in all solicitations and contracts containing either of the clauses at FAR 52.227-11, Patent Rights--Retention by the Contractor (Short Form) or 1852.227-70, New Technology (see paragraph (c) of this section). It may also be inserted, upon consultation with the installation intellectual property counsel, in solicitations and contracts using another patent rights clause. The New Technology Representative shall be the Technology Utilization Officer or the staff member (by titled position) having cognizance of technology utilization matters for the installation concerned. The Patent Representative shall be the intellectual property counsel (by titled position) having cognizance of patent matters for the installation concerned.
     (e)  The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 1852.227-84, Patent Rights Clauses, in solicitations for experimental, developmental, or research work to be performed in the United States, its possessions, or Puerto Rico when the eventual awardee may be a small business or a nonprofit organization.
     (f)  As authorized in FAR 27.303(c)(2) when work is to be performed outside the United States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico by contractors that are not domestic firms, the clause at 1852.227-85, Invention Reporting and Rights--Foreign, shall be used unless the contracting officer determines, with concurrence of the installation intellectual property counsel, that the objectives of the contract would be better served by use of the clause at FAR 52.227-13, Patent Rights -- Acquisition by the Government. For this purpose, the contracting officer may presume that a contractor is not a domestic firm unless it is known that the firm is not foreign owned, controlled, or influenced. (See FAR 27.304-4(a) regarding subcontracts with U.S. firms.)

1827.304   Procedures.

1827.304-1   General.
     (a)  Contractor appeals of exceptions.  In any contract with other than a small business firm or nonprofit organization, the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1, shall apply.
     (b)  Greater rights determinations.  In any contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization and with respect to which advance waiver of rights has not been granted (see 1827.302(b)), the contractor (or an employee-inventor of the contractor after consultation with the contractor) may request waiver of title to an individual identified subject invention pursuant to the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1.
     (c)  Retention of rights by inventor.  The NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1, apply for any invention made in the performance of work under any contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization.
     (f)  Revocation or modification of contractor's minimum rights.  Revocation or modification of the contractor's license rights (see 1827.302(i)(2)) shall be in accordance with 37 CFR 404.10, for subject inventions made and reported under any contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization.
     (g)  Exercise of march-in rights.  For contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization, the procedures for the exercise of march-in rights shall be as set forth in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1.
     (h)  Licenses and assignments under contracts with nonprofit organizations.  The Headquarters Associate General Counsel (Intellectual Property) (Code GP) is the approval authority for assignments. Contractor requests should be made to the Patent Representative designated in the clause at 1852.227-72 and forwarded, with recommendation, to Code GP for approval.

1827.304-2   Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies.
     (a) (3)  When a contract is placed for another agency and the agency does not request the use of a specific patent rights clause, the contracting officer, upon consultation with the installation intellectual property counsel, may use the clause at FAR 52.227-11, Patent Rights -- Retention by the Contractor (Short Form) as modified by 1852.227-11 (see 1827.303-70(a)) or 1852.227-70, New Technology (see 1827.303-70(b)).

1827.304-3   Contracts for construction work or architect-engineer services.
     (a)  For construction or architect-engineer services contracts with other than a small business or nonprofit organization, see 1827.303-70(b).

1827.304-4 Subcontracts.
(a)  (i) Unless the contracting officer otherwise authorizes or directs, contractors awarding subcontracts and subcontractors awarding lower-tier subcontracts shall select and include one of the following clauses, suitably modified to identify the parties, in the indicated subcontracts:
                (A)  The clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology, in any subcontract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization if a purpose of the subcontract is the performance of experimental, developmental, research, design, or engineering work of any of the types described in 1827.303-70(b)(1)-(6).
                (B)  The clause at FAR 52.227-11, Patent Rights -- Retention by the Contractor (Short Form), modified by 1852.227-11 (see 1827.303-70(a)), in any subcontract with a small business firm or a nonprofit organization if a purpose of the subcontract is the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work.
           (ii)  Whenever a prime contractor or a subcontractor considers it inappropriate to include one of the clauses discussed in paragraph (a) of this section in a particular subcontract, or a subcontractor refuses to accept the clause, the matter shall be resolved by the contracting officer in consultation with the intellectual property counsel.

1827.304-5 Appeals.
FAR 27.304-5 shall apply unless otherwise provided in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Section 1245, Subpart 1.

1827.305 Administration of the patent rights clauses.

1827.305-3   Follow-up by Government.

1827.305-370   NASA patent rights and new technology follow-up procedures.
     (a)  For each contract containing a patent rights clause or the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology, the contracting officer shall take the following actions:
           (1)  Furnish, or require the contractor to furnish directly, the New Technology Representative and the Patent Representative a copy of each contract (and modifications thereto), and copies of the final technical report, interim technical progress reports, and other pertinent material provided under the contract, unless the representatives indicate otherwise; and
           (2)  Notify the New Technology Representative as to which installation organizational element has technical cognizance of the contract.
     (b)  The New Technology Representative shall take the following actions:
           (1)  Review the technical progress of work performed under the contract to ascertain whether the contractor and its subcontractors are complying with the clause's reporting and recordkeeping requirements;
           (2)  Forward to the Patent Representative copies of all contractor and subcontractor written reports of reportable items and disclosures of subject inventions, and a copy of the written statement, if any, submitted with the reports.
           (3)  Consult with the Patent Representative whenever a question arises as to whether a given reportable item is to be considered a subject invention and whether it was made in the performance of work under the contract.
           (4)  Forward to the Patent Representative all correspondence relating to inventions and waivers under the New Technology clause or election of title under the Patent Rights -- Retention by the Contractor (Short Form) clause.
           (5)  Upon receipt of any final report required by the clause, and upon determination that the contract work is complete, determine whether the contractor has complied with the clause's reporting requirements. If so, the New Technology Representative shall certify compliance, obtain the Patent Representative's concurrence, and forward the certification to the contracting officer.
     (c)  The Patent Representative shall review each reportable item to ascertain whether it is to be considered a subject invention, obtain any determinations required by paragraph (b) of the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology, and notify the contractor. As to any subject invention, the Patent Representative shall:
           (1)  Ensure that the contractor has provided sufficient information to protect the Government's rights and interests in it and to permit the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications;
           (2)  Determine inventorship;
           (3)  Ensure the preparation of instruments establishing the Government's rights; and
           (4)  Conduct selected reviews to ensure that subject inventions are identified, adequately documented, and timely reported or disclosed.
     (d)  Either the New Technology Representative or the Patent Representative, in consultation with the other, may prepare opinions, make determinations, and otherwise advise the contracting officer with respect to any withholding of payment under paragraph (g) of the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology. Either the New Technology Representative or the Patent Representative may represent the contracting officer for the purpose of examining the contractor's books, records, and other documents in accordance with paragraph (f) of the clause and take corrective action as appropriate. However, no action may be taken by either the New Technology Representative or the Patent Representative that would constitute a final decision under the Disputes clause, involve any change or increase in the work required to be performed under the contract that is inconsistent with any right of appeal provided in FAR 27.304-5 or 14 CFR 1245, Subpart 1, or otherwise be outside the scope of the contract.
     (e)  The contracting officer shall not approve release of final payment under the contract and, if applicable, any reserve set aside under the withholding provisions of the clause for deficiencies and delinquent reporting not corrected as of the time of the submission of the final report by the contractor until receipt of the New Technology Representative's certification of compliance, and the Patent Representative's concurrence.

1827.305-371   New technology reporting plan.
     In contracts with an estimated cost in excess of $2,500,000 (or less when appropriate) that contain the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology, the contracting officer may require the contractor to submit for post-award Government approval a detailed plan for new technology reporting that demonstrates an adequate understanding of and commitment to the reporting requirements of the clause.

1827.305-4   Conveyance of invention rights acquired by the Government.
     (a)  When the Government acquires the entire right to, title to, and interest in an invention under the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology, a determination of title is to be made in accordance with Section 305(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2457(a)), and reflected in appropriate instruments executed by NASA and forwarded to the contractor.


Subpart 1827.4 -- Rights in Data and Copyrights

1827.404   Basic rights in data clause.
     (d)  Protection of limited rights data specified for delivery.  The contracting officer shall consult with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel regarding any questions concerning the delivery of limited rights data and/or the use of Alternate II that may arise from an offeror's response to the provision at FAR 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software, or during negotiations.
     (e)  Protection of restricted computer software specified for delivery.  The contracting officer shall consult with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel regarding any questions concerning the delivery of restricted computer software and/or the use of Alternate III that may arise from an offeror's response to the provision at FAR 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software, or during negotiations.
     (f)  Copyrighted data.

           (1) (ii)  The contracting officer shall consult with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel before granting permission for a contractor to claim copyright subsisting in data, other than computer software, first produced under the contract.
                (iv)  The contracting officer, with the concurrence of the installation intellectual property counsel, is the approval authority for obtaining a copyright license of a different scope than set forth in subparagraph (c)(1) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, for any contract or class of contracts.

           (2)  (i)   The procurement officer is the approval authority for obtaining a copyright license of a different scope than that set forth in subparagraph (c)(2) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14 for any contract or class of contracts.
     (g)  Release, publication, and use of data.

           (3) (A)  NASA's intent is to ensure the most expeditious dissemination of computer software developed by it or its contractor. Accordingly, when the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, is modified by 1852.227-14 (see 1827.409(a)), the contractor may not assert claim to copyright, publish, or release to others computer software first produced in the performance of a contract without the contracting officer's prior written permission.
                 (B)  The contracting officer may, in consultation with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel, grant the contractor permission to copyright, publish, or release to others computer software first produced in the performance of a contract if:
                        (a)  The contractor has identified an existing commercial computer software product line or proposes a new one and states a positive intention of incorporating any computer software first produced under the contract into that line, either directly itself or through a licensee;
                        (b)  The contractor has made, or will be required to make, significant contributions to the development of the computer software by co-funding or by cost-sharing, or by contributing resources (including but not limited to agreement to provide continuing maintenance and update of the software at no cost for Governmental use); or
                       (c) The concurrence of the Headquarters Office of Aerospace Technology, Commercial Technology Division (Code RC) is obtained.

                (C)  (a The contractor's request for permission in accordance with 1827.404(g)(3)(A) may be made either before contract award or during contract performance.
                       (b)  Any permission granted in accordance with 1827.404(g)(3)(B)(a) or (b) shall be by express contract provision (or amendment) overriding subparagraph (d)(3) of FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, (as modified by 1852.227-14), rather than by deleting it. The contract provision may contain appropriate assurances that the computer software will be incorporated into an existing or proposed new commercial computer software product line within a reasonable time and/or that the agreed contributions to the Government are fulfilled, with contingencies enabling the Government to obtain the right to distribute the software for commercial use, including the right to obtain assignment of copyright where applicable, in order to prevent the computer software from being suppressed or abandoned by the contractor.
                       (c)  Any permission granted in accordance with 1827.404(g)(3)(B)(c) may be either by deleting subparagraph (d)(3) or by special contract provision, as appropriate.
                       (d)  When any permission to copyright is granted, any copyright license retained by the Government shall be of the same scope as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14 and without any obligation of confidentiality on the part of the Government, unless in accordance with 1827.404(g)(3)(B)(b) the contributions of the Contractor may be considered "substantial" for the purposes of FAR 27.408 (i.e., approximately 50 percent), in which case rights consistent with FAR 27.408 may be negotiated for the computer software in question.
                (D)  If the contractor has not been granted permission to copyright, paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General (as modified by 1852.227-14) enables NASA to direct the contractor to assert claim to copyright in computer software first produced under the contract and to assign, or obtain the assignment of, such copyright to the Government or its designee. The contracting officer may, in consultation with the installation intellectual property counsel, so direct the contractor in situations where copyright protection is considered necessary in furtherance of Agency mission objectives, needed to support specific Agency programs, or necessary to meet statutory requirements.
     (h)  Unauthorized marking of data.  The contracting officer shall consult with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel before taking any action regarding unauthorized markings of data under paragraph (e) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General.
           (iOmitted or incorrect notices.  The contracting officer shall consult with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel before agreeing to add or correct any markings on data under paragraph (f) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data -- General.

1827.405   Other data rights provisions.
     (b) (2) Acquisition of existing computer software.  See 1827.409(k)(i)-(ii) and 1827.409-70 for modifications and alternatives to the clause at FAR 52.227-19.
     (c)  Contracts awarded under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program.    If, during the performance of an SBIR contract (Phase I or Phase II), the need arises for NASA to obtain delivery of restricted computer software as defined in the clause at FAR 52.227-20, Rights in Data -- SBIR Program, and the contractor agrees to such delivery, the restricted computer software may be acquired with restricted rights by modification of the contract or under an agreement incorporated in and made part of the contract, using the restricted rights set forth in FAR 27.404(e) and the related restrictions as a guide.

1827.406   Acquisition of data.
     (a)  General. Requirements for delivering technical data relating to standard commercial items, components, or processes should be kept to the absolute minimum consistent with the purpose for which they are being procured. Normally, a vendor's manuals for installation, operation, or maintenance and repair and/or form, fit, and function data are adequate.

1827.408   Cosponsored research and development activities.
     The contracting officer shall consult with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel before limiting the acquisition of or acquiring less than unlimited rights to any data developed under contracts involving cosponsored research and development activities.

1827.409   Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
     (a)  The contracting officer shall add subparagraph (3) set forth in 1852.227-14 to paragraph (d) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, except in solicitations and contracts for basic or applied research with universities or colleges.
     (b)  The contracting officer, with the concurrence of the installation intellectual property counsel, is the approval authority for use of Alternate I. An example of its use is where the principal purpose of the contract (such as a contract for basic or applied research) does not involve the development, use, or delivery of items, components, or processes that are intended to be acquired for use by or for the Government (either under the contract in question or under any anticipated follow-on contracts relating to the same subject matter).
     (c)  The contracting officer shall normally add the disclosure purposes listed in FAR 27.404(d)(1)(i)-(v) to subparagraph (g)(2). However, the contracting officer may, upon consultation with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel, make deletions from the specific purposes listed. If all are deleted, the word "None" must be inserted. Additions to those specific purposes listed may be made only with the approval of the procurement officer and concurrence of the installation patent or intellectual property counsel.
     (d)  The contracting officer shall consult with the installation patent or intellectual property counsel regarding the acquisition of restricted computer software with greater or lesser rights than those set forth in Alternate III. Where it is impractical to actually modify the notice of Alternate III, this may be done by express reference in a separate clause in the contract or by a collateral agreement that addresses the change in the restricted rights.
     (e)  The contracting officer, with the concurrence of the installation intellectual property counsel, is the approval authority for the use of Alternate IV in any contract other than a contract for basic or applied research to be performed solely by a college or university on campus (but not for the management or operation of Government facilities).
     (i)  The contract officer shall modify the clause at FAR 52.227-17, Rights in Data -- Special Works by adding paragraph (f) as set forth in 1852.227-17.

     (k)  (i The contracting officer shall add paragraph (e) as set forth in 1852.227-19(a) to the clause at FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software--Restricted Rights, when it is contemplated that updates, correction notices, consultation information, and other similar items of information relating to commercial computer software delivered under a purchase order or contract are available and their receipt can be facilitated by signing a vendor supplied agreement, registration forms, or cards and returning them directly to the vendor.
           (ii)  The contracting officer shall add paragraph (f) as set forth at 1852.227-19(b) to the clause at FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software--Restricted Rights, when portions of a contractor's standard commercial license or lease agreement consistent with the clause, Federal laws, standard industry practices, and the FAR are to be incorporated into the purchase order or contract.
           (iii)  See 1827.409-70.

1827.409-70   NASA contract clause.
     The contracting officer shall use the clause at 1852.227-86, Commercial Computer Software -- Licensing, in lieu of FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software -- Restricted Rights, when it is considered appropriate for the acquisition of existing computer software in accordance with FAR 27.405(b)(2).