252.227-7014 — Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software
Researched by the BidStride Research Team
What This Clause Requires
Governs the Government's rights in computer software and related documentation for noncommercial software developed under DoD contracts.
Official Regulation Text
See 48 CFR 252.227-7014 for the full regulatory text. This clause governs the rights in noncommercial computer software delivered under DoD contracts, including source code, object code, and documentation. Rights categories parallel 252.227-7013 for technical data.
Compliance Checklist
- Identify all software to be delivered with restricted rights assertions
- Deliver source code for software developed exclusively with government funding
- Apply restrictive markings only to software qualifying for restricted rights
Flow-Down to Subcontractors
Flow-down required
This clause must be included in subcontracts with all subcontractors at all tiers where the subcontractor will perform work covered by this clause. Typically appears in contract Sections H, I.
Related Clauses
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the funding. Software developed exclusively with Government funds: the Government receives unlimited rights, including source code. Software developed exclusively at private expense: restricted rights apply, meaning object code delivery only with limited Government use rights.
Restricted rights allow the Government to use the software for its internal purposes only, make backup copies, and have the software serviced by third parties for the Government. The Government cannot release it to other contractors or use it commercially.
Apply the DFARS restricted rights notice to the software documentation and packaging. The notice must identify the contractor name, contract number, and date. Oral assertions without written markings are unenforceable.
No. Open source software licenses (GPL, MIT, Apache, etc.) grant public rights by definition. You cannot assert restricted rights on software you plan to deliver under an open source license. Discuss open source use with your contracting officer before delivery.
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.