252.204-7014 — Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support Contractors.
Researched by the BidStride Research Team
What This Clause Requires
DFARS 252.204-7014 — Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support Contractors.. This clause is part of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and applies specifically to Department of Defense contracts.
Official Regulation Text
252.204-7014 Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support Contractors. As prescribed in 204.7403(a), use the following clause: Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support Contractors (JAN 2023) (a) Definitions. As used in this clause— Computer software means computer programs, source code, source code listings, object code listings, design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts, formulae, and related material that would enable the software to be reproduced, recreated, or recompiled. Computer software does not include computer data bases or computer software documentation. Litigation information means any information, including sensitive information, that is furnished to the contractor by or on behalf of the Government, or that is generated or obtained by the contractor in the performance of litigation support under a contract. The term does not include information that is lawfully, publicly available without restriction, including information contained in a publicly available solicitation. Litigation support means administrative, technical, or professional services provided in support of the Government during or in anticipation of litigation. Litigation support contractor means a contractor (including its experts, technical consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers) providing litigation support under a contract that contains this clause. Sensitive information means controlled unclassified information of a commercial, financial, proprietary, or privileged nature. The term includes technical data and computer software, but does not include information that is lawfully, publicly available without restriction. Technical data means recorded information, regardless of the form or method of the recording, of a scientific or technical nature (including computer software documentation). The term does not include computer software or data incidental to contract administration, such as financial and/or management
Compliance Checklist
- Notwithstanding any other provision of this contract, the Contractor shall— (1) Access and use litigation information only for the purpose of providing litigation support under this contract; (2) Not disclose litigation information to any entity outside the Contractor's organization unless, prior to such disclosure the Contracting Officer has provided written consent to such disclosure; (3) Take all precautions necessary to prevent unauthorized disclosure of litigation information; (4) Not use litigation information to compete against a third party for Government or nongovernment contracts; and (5) Upon completion of the authorized litigation support activities, destroy or return to the Government at the request of the Contracting Officer all litigation information in its possession.
- The Contractor agrees— (1) To indemnify and hold harmless the Government, its agents, and employees from any claim or liability, including attorneys' fees, court costs, and expenses, arising out of, or in any way related to, the misuse or unauthorized modification, reproduction, release, performance, display, or disclosure of any litigation information; and (2) That any third party holding proprietary rights or any other legally protectable interest in any litigation information, in addition to any other rights it may have, is a third party beneficiary under this contract who shall have a right of direct action against the Contractor, and against any person to whom the Contractor has released or disclosed such litigation information, for any such unauthorized use or disclosure of such information.
- The Contractor shall ensure that its employees are subject to use and nondisclosure obligations consistent with this clause prior to the employees being provided access to or use of any litigation information covered by this clause.
Flow-Down to Subcontractors
Flow-down required
This clause must be included in subcontracts with no subcontractors where the subcontractor will perform work covered by this clause. Typically appears in contract Section Section I.
Frequently Asked Questions
DFARS 252.204-7014 (Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support Contractors.) is a Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement clause applicable to Department of Defense contracts.
DFARS 252.204-7014 is typically required in DoD contracts when the contracting officer determines it's applicable. Check Section I of your solicitation.
Flow-down requirements vary. Review the specific clause text for subcontractor applicability provisions.
This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.