2014-21476. NASA FAR Supplement Regulatory Review No. 2  

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    AGENCY:

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    ACTION:

    Proposed rule.

    SUMMARY:

    NASA is updating the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) with the goal of eliminating unnecessary regulation, streamlining overly-burdensome regulation, clarifying language, and simplifying processes where possible. This proposed rule is the second in a series and includes updates and revisions to 14 parts of the NFS. On January 18, 2011, President Obama signed Executive Order (E.O.) 13563, Improving Regulations and Regulatory Review, directing agencies to develop a plan for a retrospective analysis of existing regulations. The revisions to this proposed rule are part of NASA's retrospective plan under E.O. 13563 completed in August 2011.

    DATES:

    Interested parties should submit comments to NASA at the address below on or before November 24, 2014 to be considered in formulation of the final rule.

    ADDRESSES:

    Interested parties may submit comments, identified by RIN number 2700-AE09 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments may also be submitted to Leigh Pomponio via email at leigh.pomponio@NASA.gov.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Leigh Pomponio, NASA, Office of Procurement, (202) 358-0592, email: leigh.pomponio@NASA.gov.

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    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    A. Background

    The NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) is codified at 48 CFR part 1800. Periodically, NASA performs a comprehensive review and analysis of the regulation, makes updates and corrections, and reissues the NASA FAR Supplement. The last reissue was in 2004. The goal of the review and analysis is to reduce regulatory burden where justified and appropriate and make the NFS content and processes more efficient and effective, faster and simpler, in support of NASA's mission. Consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) Start Printed Page 5701613563, Improving Regulations and Regulatory Review, NASA is currently reviewing and revising the NFS with an emphasis on streamlining it and reducing associated burdens. Due to the volume of the NFS, these revisions are being made in increments. This proposed rule is the second of three expected rules which together will constitute the NFS update and reissue. This proposed rule includes regulatory revisions to the following 14 parts of the NFS:

    1809—Contractor Qualifications

    1815—Subpart 1815.4, Contract Pricing (Changes to other subparts proposed in Rule no. 1)

    1816—Types of Contracts

    1817—Special Contracting Methods

    1819—Small Business Programs

    1823—Environment, Energy and Water Efficiency, Renewable Energy Technologies, Occupational Safety, and Drug-Free Workplace

    1827—Patents, Data, and Copyrights

    1828—Bonds and Insurance

    1831—Contract Cost Principles and Procedures

    1832—Contract Financing

    1837—Service Contracting

    1842—Contract Administration and Audit Services

    1849—Terminations

    1852—Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

    Further, this proposed rule provides notice that no regulatory changes will be made to the following eight parts of the NFS:

    1806—Competition

    1810—Market Research

    1826—Socio-Economic Programs

    1829—Taxes

    1830—Cost Accounting Standards Administration

    1836—Construction and A&E Contracts

    1838—Federal Supply Schedule

    1844—Subcontracting

    NASA analyzed the existing regulation to determine whether any portions should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed in order to make the regulation more efficient and effective. Special emphasis was placed on identifying and eliminating or simplifying overly burdensome processes that could be streamlined without jeopardizing Agency mission effectiveness. Additionally, NASA sought to identify current regulatory coverage that is not regulatory in nature, and to remove or relocate such coverage to internal guidance. In addition to substantive changes, this proposed rule includes administrative changes necessary to make minor corrections and updates.

    Specifically, the major changes in this proposed rule are summarized as follows:

    Part 1809—Contractor Qualifications:

    —1809.206-70, Small businesses, is deleted. FAR 19.6 adequately addresses small business participation and requirements and NASA supplementation is not needed.

    —The prescription at 1809.206-71 and the clause at 1852.209-70, Product Removal from Qualified Products List, are deleted. The clause is not necessary as FAR 52.209-1, Qualification Requirements, sufficiently covers product removal from Qualified Products Lists.

    —Contractor Team Arrangements in 1809.6, the prescription at 1809.607, and the clause at 1852.209-72, Composition of the Contractor, are removed. FAR 9.6 adequately addresses teaming arrangements and NASA supplementation is not needed.

    Subpart 1815.4—Contract Pricing:

    —To conform to FAR, “cost or pricing data” terminology is changed throughout the subpart to clearly distinguish between “certified cost or pricing data” and “data other than certified cost or pricing data.” These changes are consistent with changes made to FAR, 15.4, by FAC 2005-45, FAR Case 2005-036, Definition of Cost or Pricing Data.

    Part 1816—Types of Contracts:

    —NASA technical performance initiatives at 1816.402-270, and the corresponding clause at 1852.216-88, are revised to change “non-hardware contracts” to “supply and service contracts” to conform to the FAR terminology and to broaden application to include services.

    1816.405-274(g)(1)and (2), Award Fee evaluation factors, is revised to reflect current small business subcategories by adding small disadvantaged business (SDB), and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and to delete the requirement to evaluate performance against small businesses in specified NAICS groups consistent with the ruling in Rothe Dev. Corp. v. Dept. of Defense, 545 F.3d (Fed. Cir 2008).

    —1816.405-274(g)(4), to add specificity, award fee evaluation factors, is revised to specify that 10 percent, in lieu of the currently specified `up to 15 percent', of available award fee shall be assigned to the contractor's performance against the subcontracting plan.

    —Award fee evaluation, at 1816.405-275, is revised to indicate that contacting officers may supplement, but not alter, the FAR adjectival rating descriptions. The FAR gives COs this authority; it is reiterated here because the NFS instructions may otherwise appear to override the FAR authority.

    —Part 1817—Special Contracting Methods:

    —1817.71, Exchange or sale of personal property, is deleted from this part, and will be relocated to part 1845, and be proposed as part of Rule #3 in the NFS Rewrite series.

    —The clause 1852.217-70, Property Administration and Reporting, is deleted as unnecessary. The appropriate FAR 45 and NFS 1845 property clauses should be used for interagency acquisitions.

    —In the clause 1852.217-71, Phased Acquisition Using Down-Selection Procedures, paragraph (e) is revised to delete the last sentence. NASA no longer provides paper copies of solicitations because solicitations are electronically available via the internet (NASA Acquisition Internet Service, FedBizOps, etc.)

    Part 1819—Small Business Programs:

    —The policy at 1819.201 is revised to clarify an annual goal of five percent for prime and subcontract awards to SDBs and to set forth a three percent goal for HUBZone and service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concerns.

    —1819.201 is revised to remove the phrase “not traditionally dominated” and replace it with “had low involvement level” to better describe the past participation level of small businesses in high-technology area. It is also revised to clarify NASA's annual goal of 5 percent of prime and subcontract awards to small SDBs and women-owned small businesses (WOSBs), and a three percent goal for HubZone and SDVOSB concerns.

    —Protesting a small business representation at 1819.302 is revised to include `rerepresentation' in the title, to conform to FAR, and to establish a notification requirement to the Agency Small Business Office and the Small Business Administration (SBA)when the contracting officer (CO) determines that an award must be made to protect the public interest.

    —Clause prescriptions are added at 1819.811-3.

    —Subpart 1819.10, Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program, is removed in its entirety, to conform to FAR.

    —At Subpart 1819.70, the eight percent goal is removed. This is an administrative reporting requirement that does not require regulatory coverage.

    —Subpart 1819.71, NASA Rural area small business plan, is removed. NASA is required to create an internal plan addressing this requirement, but there is no need for regulatory coverage.

    —Subpart 1819.72, NASA Mentor-Protégé Program, is updated to clarify policy and program requirements, such as indicating the program goal is not only to develop viable suppliers for NASA, but also for other Government and commercial entities, specify that required subcontracting plan cannot be a commercial plan, clarify the office to which applications should be submitted, specify that a protégé many be an active SBIR/STTR or AbilityOne Program participant. Further, sections 1819.7203, Mentor Approval Process, 1819.7204, Protégé Selection, and 1819.7205, Mentor-protégé agreements, are deleted in their entirety because they are not regulatory in nature and are now covered in the NASA Mentor-Protégé Guidance at http://osbp.nasa.mpp/​index.html. A note about advance payments that was previously under 1819.7205 is retained, renumbered 1819.7203, and cross referenced to FAR subpart 32.4 to clarify that there are not special considerations for Mentor-Protégé entities with respect to advance payments.

    —1819.7302(c),(d), and (e) are revised to allow the contracting officer to deviate from certain SBIR/STTR program requirements after coordination with the NASA SBIR Program Manager/Coordinator in accordance with SBA's SBIR Program Directive which can be found at http://sbir.gov/​sites/​default/​files/​sbir_​pd_​1-8-14_​amendments_​2-24-14.pdf.

    —Clause 1852.219-11, Special 8(a) Contracting Conditions, and Provision Start Printed Page 570171852.219-18, Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Concerns, are added to implement NASA's Partnership Agreement with SBA. The provision and clause are currently used under authority of a NASA class deviation, PIC 12-08, dated Nov. 28, 2012, and provide NASA-specific instructions and requirements for 8(a) contracts.

    —The clause at 1852.219-75 is retitled as `Individual Subcontracting Reports' and a requirement is added for contractors to enter goals as a percentage of total contract value as well as a percentage of total subcontract dollars.

    —1852.219-76, NASA's eight percent goal is deleted. This is an internal NASA reporting requirement and a clause is not necessary.

    —1852.219-79, Mentor Requirements and Evaluation, is revised to advise contractors that their evaluation will include consideration of the extent to which the mentor has contributed to advancing the protégé's technical readiness level.

    Part 1823—Environment, Energy and Water Efficiency, Renewable Technologies, Occupational Safety, and Drug-Free Workplace:

    —Subpart 1823.10, Federal Compliance with Right-to-Know Laws and Pollution Prevention Requirements, is deleted because E. O. 13423, as implemented in the FAR, now requires contractors to comply with the Agency's environmental management system.

    —The prescription at 1823.71 and corresponding clause at 1852.223-71 are clarified to specifically address radio frequency rather than just generic frequency.

    Part 1827—Patents, Data, and Copyrights:

    —The entire part has been revised and renumbered to conform to the FAR and the recodification of the National Aeronautics and Space Act (Space Act).

    —1827.302(a), the second sentence has been removed as it is not necessary. For inventions made under contracts with small businesses and nonprofit organizations, NASA follows FAR 27.302.

    —1827.302(b)(2)(v) (formerly at 1827.301(d)) provides clarifying language specifying that under NASA contracts, with entities other than a small business or nonprofit organizations, title to subject inventions may vest in NASA in accordance with its authority under the Space Act.

    —1827.302(b)(3) was revised to conform to the language regarding waivers in the Space Act (51 U.S.C. 20135). Additionally, the changes provide clarifying guidance on NASA's requirements for meeting the statutory standard of “any invention or class of inventions.”

    —1827.302(g) is revised to clarify the language, and to reference the legal authority underlying the preference for products resulting from subject inventions to be manufactured substantially in the United States.

    —1827.302(k) adds coverage on NASA policy regarding monetary awards for inventions in accordance with 14 CFR 1240.105.

    —1827.303(b)(1)(i)(formerly at 1827.303(a)(1)(B)) has been modified to clarify the process for a contracting officer to determine status of a contractor that claims to be a small business concern or nonprofit organization.

    —1827.303(b)(1)(iii) adds new Agency instructions on completing FAR 52.227-11(j), as directed by that clause.

    —1827.303(b)(7) prescribes use of Alternate V of FAR 52.227-11 when a contractor is directed to fulfill the Government's obligations under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).

    —1827.303(d)(formerly 1827.303-70(d)) reflects changes in identifying installation Patent Representatives.

    —1827.304-2(a)(3)adds clarifying guidance on use of NFS clauses when issuing contracts for other agencies. When the funding agency does not specify a patent rights clause to be used, NFS clauses will be used.

    —1827.304-3 (formerly at 1827.304-4) clarifies flow down of applicable patent rights clauses in subcontracts.

    —Section 1827.404-4(b)(1) clarifies requirements related to release of software to others under NFS clause 1852.227-14.

    —1827.404-4(b)(2)(ii)adds open source software release as a basis for granting the contractor's request to assert copyright in software developed under the contract.

    —1827.405-4 and 1827.409-70 are revised to address Government property requirements. In accordance with FAR 45.000, the FAR Government-furnished-property provisions do not apply to software and intellectual property. Accordingly, NFS clause 1852.227-88, Government-Furnished Computer Software and Related Technical Data, was added and was modeled, in part, after the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement(DFARS) Clause 252.227-7025(c), Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Government-Furnished Information Marked with Restrictive Legends.

    —1827.409(d) is revised to provide consistency and protect the Government's rights and option for deferred ordering of data; it also provides additional guidance on the use of the clause at FAR 52.227-16, Additional Data Requirements.

    —Clause 1852.227-11 is renamed and renumbered to conform with FAR.

    —Clause 1852.227-14(c)(1)(iv) adds a requirement for contractors to include a Government rights notice in their publications, in order to protect the Government's license in a scientific and technical article, based on or containing data first produced in the performance of the subject contract, and submitted for publication in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings or similar works. This requirement is modeled after the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) clause (48 CFR Part 970.5227-2(d)(2)).

    Part 1828—Bonds and Insurance:

    The following are removed from subpart 1828.1 because no supplementation is required by NASA. FAR coverage on bid guarantees and payment and performance bonds is adequate.

    —1828.101, Bid guarantees

    —1828.101-70, NASA solicitation provision

    —1828.103, Performance and payment bonds and alternatives.

    —1828.103-70, Subcontractors performing construction work under non-construction contracts.

    —1828.103-71, Solicitation requirements and contract clauses.

    —The clause prescription at 1828.311-1 is revised to delete “must” and replace it with “shall”, and to delete “as prescribed in FAR 28.311-1” and replace it with “in solicitations and contracts, other than those for construction contracts and those for architect-engineer services, when a cost-reimbursement contract is contemplated”, for clarification because FAR 28.311-1 requires use “in accordance with agency policy.”

    —The clause at 1852.228-73, Bid Bond, is deleted because it is redundant. FAR clause 52.228-1 already provides fill-ins for the percent or dollar amount of the bid bond.

    Part 1831—Contract Cost Principles and Procedures:

    —The prescription at 1831.205-671, Solicitation provision, and the provision at 1852.231-71, Determination of Compensation Reasonableness, are revised to delete the $500,000 threshold and replace it with the “threshold for obtaining certified cost or pricing data (FAR 15.403-4)”, to conform with the FAR and to ensure that periodic inflationary adjustments made in the FAR also apply to the NFS.

    Part 1832—Contract Financing:

    —The prescription at 1832.705-270(a), NASA clauses for limitation of cost or funds, is revised to require the clause be included in all fixed-price, incrementally-funded contracts and task orders, rather than just those for research and development. All fixed-price, incrementally-funded contracts should include the requirements at 1852.232-77.

    —1832.1110, Solicitation provision and contract clauses, is revised to indicate that NASA utilizes the System for Award Management (SAM) and it is not necessary for contractors to register separately with NASA for electronic funds transfer.

    Part 1837—Service Contracting:

    —Coverage on access to sensitive information is deleted at 1837.203 as well as the clauses at 1852.237-72, Access to Sensitive Information, 1852.237-73, Release of Sensitive Information.

    The NFS addresses protection and handling of sensitive information in 1827.

    Part 1842—Contract Administration and Audit Services:

    —Because coverage addressing delegation to Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs) is being relocated to NFS Part 1801 to conform with the FAR, the prescription at 1842.271 and the clause at 1852.242-70, Technical Direction, are proposed for deletion from 1842. These sections will be proposed for addition to 1801 with the next NFS rewrite rule, #3 in the series.

    PART 1849—Terminations

    —The prescription at 1849.505-70, NASA contract clause, and the clause at 1852.249.72, Termination (Utilities), are deleted because the FAR termination clauses do not require supplementation by NASA.

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    B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This proposed rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866. This proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    NASA does not expect this proposed rule to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. because it mainly clarifies or updates existing regulations. In several instances, this proposed rule deletes existing requirements which eases the regulatory burden on all entities, minimizing the number of resources used to collect the data and report it to the government.

    D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule contains no new information collection requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). Patent and copyright reports required by NFS Part 1827 are covered under existing, OMB-approved collection 2700-0052.

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    List of Subjects in 48 CFR 1809, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1819, 1823, 1827, 1828, 1831, 1832, 1837, 1842, 1849, and 1852

    • Government procurement
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    Cynthia Boots,

    Alternate Federal Register Liaison.

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    Accordingly, 48 CFR Parts 1809, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1819, 1823, 1827, 1828, 1831, 1832, 1837, 1842, 1849, and 1852 are proposed to be amended as follows:

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    PART 1809—CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

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    1. The authority citation for part 1809 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

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    2. Sections 1809.206-70 and 1809.206-71 are removed.

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    Subpart 1809.6 [Removed]

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    3. Subpart 1809.6 Contractor Team Arrangements is removed in its entirety.

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    Subpart 1815.4—Contract Pricing

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    4. The authority citation for part 1815 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

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    [Amended]
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    5. In section 1815.403, the section heading is amended by adding the word “certified” between the words “Obtaining” and “cost”.

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    6. Revise section 1815.403-170 to read as follows:

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    Waivers of certified cost or pricing data.

    (a) NASA has waived the requirement for the submission of certified cost or pricing data when contracting with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). This waiver applies to the CCC and its subcontractors. The CCC will provide assurance of the fairness and reasonableness of the proposed price. This assurance should be relied on; however, contracting officers shall ensure that the appropriate level of data other than certified cost or pricing data is submitted by subcontractors to support any required proposal analysis, including a technical analysis and a cost realism analysis. The CCC also will provide for follow-up audit activity to ensure that any excess profits are found and refunded to NASA.

    (b) NASA has waived the requirement for the submission of certified cost or pricing data when contracting for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program Phase II contracts. However, contracting officers shall ensure that the appropriate level of data other than certified cost or pricing data is submitted to determine price reasonableness and cost realism.

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    PART 1816—TYPES OF CONTRACTS

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    7. The authority citation for part 1816 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

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    [Amended]
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    8. In section 1816.307, remove the last sentence.

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    9. Section 1816.402-270 is revised to read as follows:

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    NASA technical performance incentives.

    (a) Pursuant to the guidelines in 1816.402, NASA has determined that a performance incentive shall be included in all contracts that are based on performance-oriented documents (see FAR 11.101(a)), except those awarded under the commercial item procedures of FAR Part 12, where the primary deliverable(s) is (are) hardware with a total value (including options) greater than $25 million. Any exception to this requirement shall be approved in writing by the head of the contracting activity. Performance incentives may be included in supply and service contracts valued under $25 million, acquired under procedures other than Part 12, at the discretion of the contracting officer upon consideration of the guidelines in 1816.402. Performance incentives, which are objective and measure performance after delivery and acceptance, are separate from other incentives, such as cost or delivery incentives.

    (b) When a performance incentive is used, it shall be structured to be both positive and negative based on performance after acceptance, unless the contract type requires complete contractor liability for product performance (e.g., fixed price). In this latter case, a negative incentive is not required. In structuring the incentives, the contract shall establish a standard level of performance based on the salient performance requirement. This standard performance level is normally the contract's target level of performance. No performance incentive amount is earned at this standard performance level. Discrete units of measurement based on the same performance parameter shall be identified for performance above and, when a negative incentive is used, below the standard. Specific incentive amounts shall be associated with each performance level from maximum beneficial performance (maximum positive incentive) to, when a negative incentive is included, minimal beneficial performance or total failure (maximum negative incentive). The relationship between any given incentive, either positive or negative, and its associated unit of measurement should reflect the value to the Government of that level of performance. The contractor should not be rewarded for above-standard performance levels that are of no benefit to the Government.

    (c) The final calculation of the performance incentive shall be done when performance, as defined in the contract, ceases or when the maximum positive incentive is reached. When performance ceases below the standard established in the contract and a negative incentive is included, the Government shall calculate the amount due and the contractor shall pay the Government that amount. Once performance exceeds the standard, the Start Printed Page 57019contractor may request payment of the incentive amount associated with a given level of performance, provided that such payments shall not be more frequent than monthly. When performance ceases above the standard level of performance, or when the maximum positive incentive is reached, the Government shall calculate the final performance incentive earned and unpaid and promptly remit it to the contractor.

    (d) When the deliverable supply or service lends itself to multiple, meaningful measures of performance, multiple performance incentives may be established. When the contract requires the sequential delivery of several items (e.g., multiple spacecraft), separate performance incentive structures may be established to parallel the sequential delivery and use of the deliverables.

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    10. In section 1816.405-270, paragraph (a) and the first sentence of paragraph (b) are removed and paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) are renumbered as (a), (b), and (c).

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    [Amended]
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    11. In section 1816.405-272(b), remove the word “should” in the last sentence and replace it with “shall”.

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    [Amended]
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    12. In section 1816.405-273(a), remove the word “often” in the first sentence.

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    13. In section 1816.405-274 (e)(3), add the word “fee” between the words “award” and “shall” in the second sentence.

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    14. In section 1816.405-274, paragraph (g)(1) is revised to read as follows:

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    Award fee evaluation factors.
    * * * * *

    (g)(1) The contractor's performance against the subcontracting plan incorporated in the contract shall be evaluated. Emphasis may be placed on the contractor's accomplishment of its goals for subcontracting with small business, small disadvantaged business, HUBZone small business, women-owned small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities—Minority Institutions (HBCU/MIs). The evaluation should consider both goals as a percentage of subcontracting dollars as well as a percentage of the total contract value.

    (2) The contractor's achievements in subcontracting high technology efforts as well as the contractor's performance under the Mentor-Protégé Program, if applicable, may also be evaluated.

    (3) The evaluation weight given to the contractor's performance against the considerations in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) shall be significant (up to 10 percent of available award fee) and shall be separate from all other factors.

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    15. In section 1816.405-275, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

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    Award fee evaluation rating.

    (a) All award fee contracts shall utilize the adjectival rating categories and associated descriptions as well as the award fee pool available to be earned percentages for each adjectival rating category contained in FAR 16.401(e)(3)(iv). Contracting officers may supplement these descriptions with more specifics relative to their procurement but they cannot alter or delete the FAR adjectival rating descriptions.

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    [Amended]
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    16. In section 1816.405-275 (b), the parenthetical reference at the end of the first sentence is amended to read “(see FAR 16401(e)(3)(iv)).”

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    17. In section 1816.406-70(f), the last sentence is revised to read

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    NASA contract clauses.
    * * * * *

    (f)* * * A clause substantially as stated at 1852.216-88 may be included in lower dollar value supply or service contracts at the discretion of the contracting officer.

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    PART 1817—SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS

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    18. The authority citation for part 1817 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

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    Subpart 1817.71 [Removed]

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    19. Subpart 1817.71 is removed in its entirety.

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    Subpart 1817.73 [Redesignated]

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    20. Subpart 1817.73 is redesignated as Subpart 1817.70.

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    PART 1819—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

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    21. The authority citation for part 1819 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

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    22. In section 1819.201, the last sentence in paragraph is (a)(i) and paragraph (a)(ii) are revised to read as follows:

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    General Policy.

    (a)(i) * * * The participation of these entities is emphasized in high-technology areas where they have had low involvement level.

    (a)(ii) NASA biennially negotiates Agency small business prime and subcontracting goals with the Small Business Administration pursuant to section 15(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644). In addition, NASA has an annual goal of five percent for prime and subcontract awards to small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) and women-owned small businesses (WOSBs), and a three percent goal for HubZone and service-disabled, veteran-owned small business concerns.

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    23. Section 1819.302 is revised to read as follows:

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    Protesting a small business representation or rerepresentation.

    (h) When the contracting officer determines in writing that an award must be made to protect the public interest, the contracting officer shall notify the Headquarters Office of Procurement, Program Operations Division, the Headquarters Office of Small Business Programs, and the SBA.

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    24. In section 1819.708-70, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:

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    NASA solicitation provision and contract clauses.
    * * * * *

    (b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.219-75, Individual Subcontracts Reporting, in solicitations and contracts containing the clause at FAR 52.219-9, except for contracts covered by an approved commercial subcontracting plan.

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    25. Section 1819.811-3 is added to read as follows:

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    Contract clauses.

    (a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.219-11, Special 8(a) Contract Conditions, in contracts and purchase orders awarded directly to the 8(a) contractor when the acquisition is accomplished using the procedures of FAR 19.811-1 (a) and (b).

    (d) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.219-18, Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Concerns, in competitive solicitations and contracts when the acquisition is accomplished using the procedures of FAR 19.805.

    (1) The clause at 1852.219-18 with Alternate I to the FAR clause at 52.219-18 will be used when competition is to Start Printed Page 57020be limited to 8(a) concerns within one or more specific SBA districts pursuant to 19.804-2.

    (2) The clause at 1852.219-18 with Alternate II to the FAR clause at 52.219-18 will be used when the acquisition is for a product in a class for which the Small Business Administration has waived the nonmanufacturer rule (see FAR 19.102 (f)(4) and (5)).

    (e) Follow the prescription at FAR 19.811-3(e).

    [Removed and reserved]
    Start Amendment Part

    26. Subparts 1819.10, 1819.70, and 1819.71 are removed and reserved.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    27. Section 1819.7201(a)(1) is revised to read as follow:

    End Amendment Part
    Scope of subpart.

    (a) * * *

    (1) Provide incentives to NASA contractors, performing under at least one active, approved subcontracting plan negotiated with NASA, to assist protégés in enhancing their capabilities to perform as viable NASA contractors, other Government contractors, and commercial suppliers on contract and subcontract requirements.

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    28. Sections 1819.7202, 1819.7203, 1819.7204, and 1819.7205 are revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Eligibility.

    (a) Eligibility of Mentors: To be eligible as a mentor, an entity must be—

    (1) A large prime contractor performing with at least one approved subcontracting plan, other than a commercial plan, negotiated with NASA, pursuant to FAR Subpart 19.7, the Small Business Subcontracting Program. A contractor may apply to become a mentor if they currently are not performing under a NASA contract as long as they are currently performing another Federal agency contract with an approved subcontracting plan. The NASA mentor-protégé agreement, however, will not be approved until the mentor company is performing under a NASA contract with an approved subcontracting plan; and

    (2) Eligible for receipt of Government contracts. An entity will not be approved for participation in the Program if, at the time of submission of the application to the Headquarters Office of Small Business Programs, the entity is currently debarred or suspended from contracting with the Federal Government pursuant to FAR Subpart 9.4, Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility.

    (b) Eligibility of Protégés: To be eligible to participate as a protégé, an entity must be—

    (1) Classified as a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), a small disadvantaged business, a women-owned small business, an historically underutilized business zone concern, a veteran-owned, service-disabled small business, an historically black college and university, or a minority institution. The protégé entity may also be an active NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II company, or an entity participating in the AbilityOne program.

    (2) Eligible for the award of Federal contracts; and

    (3) A small business according to the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that represents the contemplated supplies or services to be provided by the protégé to the mentor.

    (c) A protégé firm may self-certify to a mentor firm that it meets the requirements set forth in paragraph (b) of this seciton. Mentors may rely in good faith on written representations by potential protégés that they meet the specified eligibility requirements.

    Mentor-protégé advance payments.

    If advance payments are contemplated, the mentor must first have the advance payments approved the contracting officer in accordance with FAR Subpart 32.4, Advance Payments for Non-commercial items.

    Agreement submission and approval process.

    (a) To participate in the Program, entities approved as mentors in accordance with 1819.7203, will submit a complete agreement package to the Contracting Officer who will forward the completed agreement package to the cognizant Small Business Specialist at the NASA Center. The submission package must include the following—

    (1) A signed mentor-protégé agreement;

    (2) A signed protégé application;

    (3) The estimated cost of the technical assistance to be provided, broken out per year and per task, in a separate cost volume; and

    (4) Additional information as may be requested by the NASA OSBP; and

    (5) A signed letter of endorsement of the agreement by the contracting officer and the contracting officer representative.

    (b) The mentor-protégé agreement must be approved by the Assistant Administrator, NASA OSBP, prior to the mentor incurring eligible costs for developmental assistance provided to the protégé.

    (c) The cognizant NASA center will issue a contract modification, if justified, prior to the mentor incurring costs for developmental assistance to the protégé.

    Award Fee Pilot Program.

    (a) Mentors will be eligible to earn a separate award fee associated with the provision of developmental assistance to NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II Protégés only. The award fee will be assessed at the end of the Mentor-Protégé agreement period.

    (b) The overall developmental assistance performance of NASA contractors, in promoting the use of small businesses as subcontractors, will be a required evaluation factor in award fee plans.

    (c) Evaluation criteria to determine the award fee should include:

    (1) Benefit of the agreement to NASA;

    (2) Active participation in the Program;

    (3) The amount and quality of developmental assistance provided;

    (4) Subcontracts awarded to small businesses and others;

    (5) Success of the protégés in increasing their business as a result of receiving developmental assistance; and

    (6) Accomplishment of any other activity as related to the mentor-protégé relationship.

    (d) The Award Fee Pilot Program is an addition to the credit agreement. Participants that are eligible for award fee may also receive credit under their individual contract's award fee plan.

    Start Amendment Part

    29. Sections 1819.7206, 1819.7207, 1819.7208, 1819.7209, 1819.7210, and 1819.7211 are removed and reserved.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    30. In section 1819.7212, paragraph (e) is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Reporting requirements.
    * * * * *

    (e) The protégé semiannual report required by paragraph (d) must be submitted separately from the Mentor's semiannual report submission.

    * * * * *
    [Removed and reserved]
    Start Amendment Part

    31. Remove and reserve Sections 1819.7213 and 1819.7214.

    End Amendment Part
    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    32. In section 1819.7301, add “,as amended.” at the end of the first sentence. Start Printed Page 57021

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    33. Amend section 1819.7302 by:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. Adding the sentences “Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may be approved. Any deviations from this requirement shall be approved in writing by the contracting officer after coordination with the Agency SBIR Program Manager/Coordinator ” at the end of paragraphs (c), (d) and (e);

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. Revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    NASA contract clauses.
    * * * * *

    (f) Contracting officers shall insert the clause at 1852.219-85, Conditions for Final Payment—SBIR and STTR Contracts, in all Phase I and Phase II contract awarded under the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program established pursuant to Pub. L. 97-219 (The Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982.)

    Start Part

    PART 1823—ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY, RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    34. The authority citation for part 1832 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority
    [Removed]
    Start Amendment Part

    35. Subpart 1823.10 is removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    36. In Subpart 1823.71, the subpart heading and section 1823.7101 are revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Authorization for Radio Frequency Use
    Contract clause.

    The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.223-71, Authorization for radio Frequency Use, in solicitations and contracts calling for developing, producing, constructing, testing, or operating a device for which a radio frequency equipment authorization is required.

    Start Part

    PART 1827—PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    37-38. Part 1827 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Part

    PART 1827—PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS

    1827.000
    Scope of part.
    Subpart 1827.3—Patent Rights Under Government Contracts
    1827.301
    Definitions.
    1827.302
    Policy.
    1827.303
    Contract clauses.
    1827.304
    Procedures.
    1827.304-1
    General.
    1827.304-2
    Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies.
    1827.304-3
    Subcontracts.
    1827.304-4
    Appeals.
    1827.305
    Administration of the patent rights clauses.
    1827.305-3
    Securing invention rights acquired by the Government.
    Subpart 1827.4—Rights In Data And Copyrights
    1827.404
    Basic rights in data clause.
    1827.404-4
    Contractor's release, publication, and use of data.
    1827.409
    Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
    Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority
    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

    Definitions.

    As used in this subpart—

    Administrator means the Administrator of NASA or a duly authorized representative.

    Reportable item means any invention, discovery, improvement, or innovation of the contractor, whether or not patentable or otherwise protectable 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 protectable under Title 17 of the United States Code.

    Subject invention, in lieu of the definition in FAR 27.301, means any reportable item that is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under Title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant that is or may be protectable under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321, et seq.).

    Policy.

    (a) Introduction. 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 20135 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act (51 U.S.C. 20135) (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 contractors subject to Section 20135 of the Act shall ensure the prompt reporting of reportable items in order to protect the Government's interest and to provide the 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.

    (1) For NASA contracts, the contractor right to elect title under the FAR only applies to contracts with small businesses and nonprofit organizations. For other business entities, see paragraph (2)(v);

    (2)(v) Under any NASA contract with other than a small business or nonprofit organization (i.e., contracts subject to Section 20135(b) of the Act), title to subject inventions vests in NASA when the determinations of Section 20135(b)(1)(A) or (b)(1)(B) have been made. The Administrator may grant the contractor a waiver of title in accordance with 14 CFR Part 1245.

    (3) Contractor petitions for waiver of title. The Administrator may waive all or any part of the rights of the United States with respect to any invention or class of inventions made or which may be made in the performance of NASA contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization if the Administrator determines that the interests of the United States will be served. The procedures and instructions for contractors to submit petitions for waiver of rights in subject inventions are provided in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1, http://www.gpo.gov/​fdsys/​pkg/​CFR-2012-title14-vol5/​pdf/​CFR-2012-title14-vol5-part1245.pdf. Waiver may be requested in advance of contract award for any subject invention or class of subject inventions or during contract performance for individually identified Start Printed Page 57022subject inventions reported under the contract. For individual identified subject inventions, the petition shall identify each invention with particularity (e.g., by NASA's assigned number to the Disclosure of Invention and New Technology report or by title and inventorship). For advance waivers, the petition shall identify the invention or class of inventions that the Contractor believes will be made under the contract and for which waiver is being requested. To meet the statutory standard of “any invention or class of inventions,” the petition must be directed to a single invention or to inventions directed to a particular process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or to a narrowly-drawn, focused area of technology. When a waiver of title is granted, the contractor's right to title, the rights reserved by the Government, and other conditions and obligations of the waiver, such as requirements for reporting and filing patent applications on waived inventions, are provided in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1, and the Instrument of Waiver executed under those Regulations.

    (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 title has been granted, 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.

    (e) Utilization reports. For each subject invention made in the performance of work under a NASA contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization and for which waiver of title has been granted, the requirements for utilization reports shall be as set forth in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1, and the Instrument of Waiver executed under those Regulations.

    (f) March-in rights. For each subject invention made in the performance of work under a NASA contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization and for which waiver of title has been granted, march-in rights shall be as set forth in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1, and the Instrument of Waiver executed under those Regulations.

    (g) Preference for United States industry. For each subject invention made in the performance of work under a NASA contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization and for which waiver of title has been granted, waiver of the requirement for substantial manufacture in the United States shall be in accordance with Title 35 of the United States Code, Section 204.

    (i) Minimum rights to contractor.

    (1) For NASA contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization, where title to any subject inventions vests in NASA, the contractor is normally granted, in accordance with the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR 1245.108, 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 procedures for revoking or modifying the license to a contractor that is other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization are described in 14 CFR 1245.108.

    (k) Awards. It is the policy of NASA to consider for a monetary award, when referred to the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board in accordance with 14 CFR Part 1240, Subpart 1, any subject invention reported to NASA in accordance with this subpart, and for which an application for patent has been filed.

    Solicitation Provisions and Contract clauses.

    (a)(1) 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 when the eventual awardee may be a small business or a nonprofit organization.

    (b)(1) 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.

    (i) To qualify for the clause at FAR 52.227-11, a prospective contractor shall be required to represent itself as either a small business firm or a nonprofit organization. If the contracting officer has reason to question the size or nonprofit status of the prospective contractor, the contracting officer will follow the procedures at FAR 27.304-1(a).

    (iii) The contracting officer shall complete paragraph (j) of the clause at FAR 52.227-11 with the following: Communications and information submissions required by this clause will be made to the individuals identified in the clause at 1852.227-72, Designation of New Technology Representative and Patent Representative.

    (iv) See also paragraph (d)(3) of this section.

    (6) Alternate IV to 52.227-11 is not used in NASA contracts. See instead 1827.303(b)(1).

    (7) The contracting officer shall consult with the center patent or intellectual property counsel regarding the use of Alternate V in contracts for the performance of services at a NASA installation when a contractor is directed to fulfill the Government's obligations under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) authorized by 15 U.S.C. 3710a. Alternate V may be included in, or added to, the contract when it is contemplated that a Contractor will be directed to fulfill NASA's obligations under a CRADA, but should be added prior to the contractor performing work under the CRADA.

    (d)(1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology-Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization, in all NASA solicitations and contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization (i.e., those subject to section 21035(b) of the Act), if the contract is to be performed in the United States, 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 all inclusive):

    (i) Conduct of basic or applied research.

    (ii) 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.

    (iii) Development of any process or technique for attaining a NASA objective not readily attainable through the practice of a previously developed process or technique.

    (iv) Testing of, evaluation of, or experimentation with a machine, process, concept, or technique to determine whether it is suitable or Start Printed Page 57023could be made suitable for a NASA objective.

    (v) 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.

    (vi) 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 (i) through (v) of this section.

    (2) 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—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization (see subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (d)).

    (3) 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—Ownership by the Contractor, or 1852.227-70, New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization (see subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (d)). It may also be inserted, upon consultation with the center patent or intellectual property counsel, in solicitations and contracts using another patent rights clause. The center New Technology and Patent Representatives are identified at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/​portals/​pl/​new_​tech_​pocs.html.

    (e)(1) When work is to be performed outside the United States 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 center patent or 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—Ownership 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 27.304-3 regarding subcontracts with U.S. firms.)

    (2) When one of the conditions in FAR 27.303(e)(1)(i) through (iv) is met, the contracting officer shall consult with the center patent or intellectual property counsel to determine the appropriate clause.

    Procedures.
    General.

    (b)(1) Exceptions. In any contract with other than a small business firm or nonprofit organization, the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1, shall apply.

    (c) 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)(3)), 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 Part 1245, Subpart 1.

    (d) Retention of rights by inventor. The NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 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. For contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization, revocation or modification of the contractor's license rights in subject inventions made and reported under the contract shall be in accordance with 14 CFR 1245.108 (see 1827.302(i)(2)).

    (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 Part 1245, Subpart 1.

    (h) Licenses and assignments under contracts with nonprofit organizations. The Headquarters Agency Counsel for Intellectual Property (ACIP) 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 of the Patent Representative, to the ACIP for approval.

    Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies.

    (a)(3)(i) When a contract is placed for another agency with a small business or nonprofit organization and the agency does not request the use of a specific patent rights clause, the contracting officer shall use the clause at FAR 52.227-11, Patent Rights—Ownership by the Contractor as modified by 1852.227-11 (see 1827.303(b)(1)).

    (ii) When a contract is placed for another agency with other than a small business or nonprofit organization, the contracting officer, in accordance with Section 20135 of the Act, shall use the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization (see 1827.303(d)(1)).

    (iii) When work is to be performed outside the United States by contractors that are not domestic firms, the contracting officer shall use one of the clause described in 1827.303(e)(1).

    Subcontracts.

    (a) Unless otherwise authorized or directed by the contracting officer, contractors awarding subcontracts at any tier shall select and include in the subcontracts one of the clauses identified in subparagraphs (a)(1) or (2) of this section. At all tiers, the applicable clause identified below shall be modified to identify the parties as follows: References to the Government are not changed, and in all references to the Contractor the subcontractor is substituted for the Contractor so that the subcontractor has all rights and obligations of the Contractor in the clause.

    (1) The clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization, shall be used 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(d)(1).

    (2) The clause at FAR 52.227-11, Patent Rights—Ownership by the Contractor, modified by 1852.227-11 (see 1827.303(b)(1)), shall be used 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.

    Appeals.

    FAR 27.304-4 shall apply unless otherwise provided in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1.

    Securing invention rights acquired by the Government.

    When the Government acquires the entire right to, title to, and interest in an invention under the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization, a determination of title is to be made in accordance with Section 20135(b) of the Act (51 U.S.C. 20135(b)), Start Printed Page 57024and reflected in appropriate instruments executed by NASA Administrator and forwarded to the contractor by the contracting officer.

    Subpart 1827.4—Rights in Data and Copyrights

    Basic rights in data clause.
    Contractor's release, publication, and use of data.

    (b)(1) 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(b)(1)), the contractor shall 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. The prohibition on “release to others” does not prohibit release to another Federal Agency for its use or its contractors' use, as long as any such release is consistent with any restrictive markings on the software. Any restrictive markings on the software shall take precedence over the aforementioned release. Any such release to a Federal Agency in accordance with this paragraph shall limit use to the Federal Agency or its contractors for Government purposes only.

    (2) The contracting officer may, in consultation with the center patent or intellectual property counsel, grant the contractor permission to assert claim to copyright, publish, or release to others computer software first produced in the performance of a contract if:

    (i) The contractor has identified an existing commercial computer software product line or proposes a new one and states a positive intention of incorporating identified computer software first produced under the contract into that line, either directly itself or through a licensee;

    (ii) The contractor has identified an existing open source software project or proposes a new one and states a positive intention of incorporating identified computer software first produced under the contract into that project, or has been instructed by the Agency to incorporate software first produced under the contract into an open source software project or otherwise release the software as open source software;

    (iii) The contractor has made, or will be required to make, substantial 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

    (iv) The concurrence of the Agency Counsel for Intellectual Property, or designee, is obtained.

    (c)(1) The contractor's request for permission in accordance with 1827.404-4(b) may be made either before contract award or during contract performance.

    (2)(i) If the basis for permitting the assertion under 1827.404-4(b)(2) is subsection (i), then the permission shall be granted by a contract modification prepared by the contracting officer in consultation with the Center patent or intellectual property counsel that contains appropriate assurances that the computer software will be incorporated into an existing or proposed new commercial computer software product line within a specified reasonable time, 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.

    (3) 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 1827.404-4(b)(2)(iii), the contributions of the Contractor are 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 assert claim to copyright, paragraph (d)(4)(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 designated assignee. The contracting officer may, in consultation with the center patent or 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.

    Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

    (b)(1) When the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data—General, is included in a solicitation or contract, it shall be modified as set forth at 1852.227-14. In contracts for basic or applied research to be performed solely by universities and colleges, the contracting officer shall consult with the center patent or intellectual property counsel regarding the addition of subparagraph (4) as set forth at 1852.227-14 to paragraph (d) of the clause at FAR 52.227-14 and they will consider the guidance provided at FAR 27.404-4.

    (2) The contracting officer, with the concurrence of the center patent or intellectual property counsel, is the approval authority for use of Alternate I of the clause at FAR 52.227-14. 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).

    (3) The contracting officer shall review the disclosure purposes listed in FAR 27.404-2(c)(1)(i)-(v) and, in consultation with the center patent or intellectual property counsel, determine which disclosure purposes apply based on the nature of the acquisition, and add them to paragraph (g)(3) of Alternate II of the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data—General. If none apply, the CO shall insert “none”. Additions to those specific purposes listed may be made only with the approval of the procurement officer and concurrence of the center patent or intellectual property counsel.

    (4) The contracting officer shall consult with the center patent or intellectual property counsel regarding the acquisition of restricted computer software with greater or lesser rights than those set forth in Alternate III of the clause at FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data—General. Where it is impractical to actually modify the notice of Alternate III, such greater or lesser rights may be indicated by express reference in a separate clause in the contract or by a collateral agreement that addresses the change in the restricted rights.

    (5) The contracting officer, with the concurrence of the center patent or 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 Start Printed Page 57025university (but not for the management or operation of Government facilities). See the guidance at FAR 27.404-3(a)(3).

    (d) The clause at 52.227-16, Additional Data Requirements, shall be used in all solicitations and contracts involving experimental, developmental, research, or demonstration work (other than basic or applied research to be performed under a contract solely by a university or college when the contract amount will be $500,000 or less), unless after consultation between the Contracting Officer and the center patent or intellectual property counsel a determination is made otherwise.

    (h) Normally the clause at 52.227-20, Rights in Data—SBIR Program, is the only data rights clause used in SBIR contracts. However, if during the performance of an SBIR contract (Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III) the need arises for NASA to obtain delivery of limited rights data or restricted computer software as defined in the clause at FAR 52.227-20, and the contractor agrees to such delivery, the limited rights data or restricted computer software may be acquired by modification of the contract (for example, by adding the clause at FAR 52.227-14 with any appropriate Alternates and making it applicable only to the limited rights data or restricted computer software to be delivered), using the rights and related restrictions as set forth in FAR 27.404-2 as a guide.

    (m)(1) The contracting officer, shall consult with the center patent or intellectual property counsel and the installation software release authority to determine when to use the clause at 1852.227-88, Government-furnished computer software and related technical data.

    (2) The clause may be included in, or added to, the contract when it is contemplated that computer software and related technical data will be provided to the contractor as Government-furnished information for use in performing the contract.

    End Part Start Part

    PART 1828—BONDS AND INSURANCE

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    39. The authority citation for part 1828 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority
    [Removed]
    Start Amendment Part

    40. Remove Subpart 1828.1.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    41. In section 1828.311-1, the introductory text is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Contract clause.

    The contracting officer shall insert the clause at FAR 52.228-7, Insurance-Liability to Third Persons, in solicitations and contracts, other than those for construction contracts and those for architect-engineer services, when a cost-reimbursement contract is contemplated unless—

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 1831—CONTRACTOR COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    42. The authority citation for part 1831 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority
    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    43. Section 1831.205-671 is amended by removing the phrase “in excess of $500,000” and replacing it with “expected to exceed the threshold for requiring certified cost and pricing data as set forth in FAR 15.403-4.”

    End Amendment Part Start Part

    PART 1832—CONTRACT FINANCING

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    44. The authority citation for part 1832 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    45. Section 1832.705-270, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    NASA clauses for limitation of cost or funds.

    (a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.232-77, Limitation of Funds (Fixed-Price Contract), in solicitations and contracts for fixed-price, incrementally-funded contracts or task orders.

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    46. In section 1832.1110, remove and reserve paragraph (a).

    End Amendment Part Start Part

    PART 1837—SERVICE CONTRACTING

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    47. The authority citation for part 1837 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    48. Sections 1837.203-70, 1837.203-71, and 1837.203-72 are removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Part

    PART 1842—CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    49. The authority citation for part 1842 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    50. Section 1842.271 is removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Part

    PART 1852—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    51. The authority citation for part 1852 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a).

    End Authority
    [Removed and reserved]
    Start Amendment Part

    52. Section 1852.209-72 is removed and reserved.

    End Amendment Part
    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    53. Section 1852.216-88 is amended as follow:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. remove the words “hardware” and “delivered” in paragraph (a);

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. remove the word “hardware” and the second sentence in subparagraph (a)(1);

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    c. remove the word “hardware” in paragraph (c);

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    d. remove the word “hardware” in paragraph (d);

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    e. remove the word “hardware” in paragraph (f); and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    f. add the word “descriptor” in paragraph (g)(1) between “numbers(s)” and “and/or nomenclature”.

    End Amendment Part
    [Removed and reserved]
    Start Amendment Part

    54. Remove and reserve section 1852.217-70.

    End Amendment Part
    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    55. In the introductory text in section 1852.217-71, the reference 1817.7302(a) is revised to read as 1817.7002(a), and the last sentence in paragraph (e) is removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    56. Sections 1852.219-11 and 1852.219-18 are added to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Special 8(a) Contract Conditions.

    As prescribed in 1819.811-3(a), insert the following clause in lieu of 52.219-11:

    Special 8(a) Contract Conditions

    (XX/XX)

    (a) This contract is issued as a direct award between the contracting activity and the 8(a) contractor pursuant to a Partnership Agreement between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Accordingly, the SBA is not a signatory to this contract. SBA does retain responsibility for 8(a) certification, 8(a) eligibility determinations and related issues, and providing counseling and assistance to the 8(a) contractor under the 8(a) program. The cognizant SBA district office is:

    (insert name and address of cognizant SBA office)

    (b) The contracting activity is responsible for administering the contract and taking any action on behalf of the Government under the terms and conditions of the contract; provided, however, that the contracting activity shall give advance notice to the SBA before it issues a final notice terminating performance, either in whole or in part, under the contract. The contracting activity Start Printed Page 57026shall also coordinate with the SBA prior to processing any novation agreement. The contracting activity may assign contract administration functions to a contract administration office.

    (c) The contractor agrees to notify the Contracting Officer, simultaneous with its notification to SBA (as required by SBA's 8(a) regulations), when the owner or owners upon whom 8(a) eligibility is based plan to relinquish ownership or control of the concern. Consistent with Section 407 of Public Law 100-656, transfer of ownership or control shall result in termination of the contract for convenience, unless SBA waives the requirement for termination prior to the actual relinquishing of ownership and control.

    (End of clause)

    Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Concerns.

    As prescribed in 1819.811-3(d), insert the following clause:

    Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Concerns

    (XX/XX)

    (a) Offers are solicited only from small business concerns expressly certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for participation in the SBA's 8(a) Program and which meet the following criteria at the time of submission of offer—

    (1) The Offeror is in conformance with the 8(a) support limitation set forth in its approved business plan; and

    (2) The Offeror is in conformance with the Business Activity Targets set forth in its approved business plan or any remedial action directed by the SBA.

    (b) By submission of its offer, the Offeror represents that it meets all of the criteria set forth in paragraph (a) of this clause.

    (c) Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made directly by the Contracting Officer to the successful 8(a) offeror selected through the evaluation criteria set forth in this solicitation.

    (d)(1) Agreement. A small business concern submitting an offer in its own name shall furnish, in performing the contract, only end items manufactured or produced by small business concerns in the United States or its outlying areas. If this procurement is processed under simplified acquisition procedures and the total amount of this contract does not exceed $25,000, a small business concern may furnish the product of any domestic firm. This paragraph does not apply to construction or service contracts.

    (2) The ______[insert name of SBA's contractor] will notify the ______[insert name of contracting agency] Contracting Officer in writing immediately upon entering an agreement (either oral or written) to transfer all or part of its stock or other ownership interest to any other party.

    (End of clause)

    [Removed and reserved]
    Start Amendment Part

    57. Remove and reserve section 1852.219-74.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    58. Section 1852.219-75 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Individual Subcontracting Reports.

    As prescribed in 1819.708-70(b), insert the following clause:

    Individual Subcontracting Reports

    (XX/XX)

    When submitting Individual Subcontracting Reports in eSRS in accordance with FAR 52.219-9(l)(1), the contractor shall enter goals as a percentage of total contract value as well as a percentage of total subcontract dollars.

    (End of clause)

    [Removed and reserved]
    Start Amendment Part

    59. Remove and reserve section 1852.219-76.

    End Amendment Part
    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    60. In section 1852.219-77, (MAY 2009) is removed and (XX/XX) is added in its place, and remove the word “certified” in the second sentence of paragraph (b)(2).

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    61. Section 1852.219-79 is amended as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. The words (MAY 200) are removed and (XX/XX) is added in its place,

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. In the second sentence of paragraph (a), “NASA SBIR” is revised to read “NASA SBIR/STTR”.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    c. Add paragraph (b)(5) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part

    1852.219-79 [AGENCY TO INSERT HEADER]

    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (5) To what extent the mentor contributed to advancing the protégé's technical readiness level.

    Start Amendment Part

    62. Section 1852.223-71 is revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Authorization for Radio Frequency Use.

    As prescribed in 1823.7101, insert the following clause:

    Authorization for Radio Frequency Use

    (XX/XX)

    (a) The contractor or subcontractor shall obtain equipment authorization of use of radio frequencies required in support of this contract following the procedures in NPR 2570.1, NASA Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Management Manual.

    (b) For any experimental, developmental, or operational equipment for which the appropriate equipment frequency authorization has not been made, the Contractor or subcontractor shall provide the technical and operating characteristics of the proposed electromagnetic radiating device to the NASA Center Facility Spectrum Manager during the initial planning, experimental, or developmental phase of contractual performance.

    (c) This clause, including this paragraph (c), shall be included in all subcontracts that call for developing, producing, testing, or operating a device for which a radio frequency authorization is required.

    (End of clause)

    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    63. Section 1852.223-73 is amended as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. Remove (NOVEMBER 2004) and add (DATE) in its place.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. In paragraph (a), the reference “NPR 8715.3” is revised to read “NASA General Safety Program Requirements Manual, Appendix E”.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    c. In Alternate, the reference “NPR 8715.3” is revised to read “NASA General Safety Program Requirements Manual, Appendix E”.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    64. Sections 1852.227-11 through 1852.227-87 are revised and section 1852.227-88 is added to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Patent Rights—Ownership by the Contractor (DATE).

    As prescribed at 1827.303(b)(1), modify the clause at FAR 52.227-11 by: (1) Adding the following subparagraphs (5) and (6) to paragraph (c) of the basic clause; (2) by adding the following subparagraph (iii) to paragraph (e)(1) of the basic clause; (3) by using the following paragraph (j) in lieu of paragraph (j) of the basic clause; and (4) by using the following subparagraph (2) in lieu of subparagraph (k)(2) of the basic clause:

    (5) The Contractor may use whatever format is convenient to disclose subject inventions required in subparagraph (c)(1). NASA prefers that the contractor use either the electronic or paper version of NASA Form 1679, Disclosure of Invention and New Technology (Including Software) to disclose subject inventions. Both the electronic and paper versions of NASA Form 1679 may be accessed at the electronic New Technology Reporting Web site http://invention.nasa.gov.

    (6) In addition to the above, the Contractor shall provide the New Technology Representative identified in this contract at 1852.227-72 the following:

    (i) An interim new technology summary report every 12 months (or such longer period as the Contracting Officer may specify) from the date of the contract, listing all subject inventions required to be disclosed during the period or certifying that there were none.

    (ii) A final new technology summary report, within 3 months after completion of the contracted work, Start Printed Page 57027listing all subject inventions or certifying that there were none.

    (iii) Upon request, the filing date, serial number and title, a copy of the patent application, and patent number and issue date for any subject invention in any country in which the contractor has applied for patents.

    (iv) An irrevocable power to inspect and make copies of the patent application file, by the Government, when a Federal Government employee is a co-inventor.

    (End of addition)

    (iii) The Contractor shall, through employee agreements or other suitable Contractor policy, require that its employees “will assign and do hereby assign” to the Contractor all right, title, and interest in any subject invention under this Contract.

    (End of addition)

    (j) For the purposes of this clause, communications between the Contractor and the Government shall be as specified in the NASA FAR Supplement at 1852.227-72, Designation of New Technology Representative and Patent Representative.

    (End of addition)

    (2) The Contractor shall include the clause in the NASA FAR Supplement at 1852.227-70, New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, research, design, or engineering work to be performed by other than a small business firm or nonprofit organization. At all tiers, the New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization clause shall be modified to identify the parties as follows: References to the Government are not changed, and in all references to the Contractor the subcontractor is substituted for the Contractor so that the subcontractor has all rights and obligations of the Contractor in the clause.

    (End of substitution)

    Rights in Data—General (DATE).

    As prescribed in 1827.409(b)(1), modify the clause at FAR 52.227-14 by: (1) Adding the following subparagraph (iv) to paragraph (c)(1) of the basic clause; (2) by adding the following provision to the end of Alternate IV if used in lieu of paragraph (c)(1) of the basic clause; and (3) by adding subparagraph (4) to paragraph (d) of the basic clause:

    (iv) The contractor shall mark each scientific and technical article based on or containing data first produced in the performance of this contract and submitted for publication in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings or similar works with a notice, similar in all material respects to the following, on the cover or first page of the article, reflecting the Government's non-exclusive worldwide license in the copyright.

    Government Rights Notice

    This work was authored by employees of [insert the name of the Contractor] under Contract No. [insert contract number] with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The United States Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the United States Government retains a non-exclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes. All other rights are reserved by the copyright owner.

    (End of Notice)

    (End of addition)

    The contractor shall mark each scientific and technical article based on or containing data first produced in the performance of this contract and submitted for publication in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings or similar works with a notice, similar in all material respects to the following, on the cover or first page of the article, reflecting the Government's non-exclusive worldwide license in the copyright.

    Government Rights Notice

    This work was authored by employees of [insert the name of the Contractor] under Contract No. [insert contract number] with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The United States Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the United States Government retains a non-exclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes. All other rights are reserved by the copyright owner.

    (End of Notice)

    (End of addition)

    (4)(i) The Contractor agrees not to assert claim to copyright, publish or release to others any computer software first produced in the performance of this contract unless the Contracting Officer authorizes through a contract modification.

    (ii) The prohibition on “release to others”, as set forth in (d)(4)(i), does not prohibit release to another Federal Agency for its use or its contractors' use, as long as any such release is consistent with any restrictive markings on the software. Any restrictive markings on the software shall take precedence over the aforementioned release. Any release to a Federal Agency shall limit use to the Federal Agency or its contractors for Government purposes only. Any other release shall require the Contracting Officer's prior written permission.

    (iii) If the Government desires to obtain copyright in computer software first produced in the performance of this contract and permission has not been granted as set forth in paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this clause, the Contracting Officer may direct the contractor to assert, or authorize the assertion of, a claim to copyright in such data and to assign, or obtain the assignment of, such copyright to the Government or its designated assignee.

    (End of addition)

    New Technology—Other Than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization.

    As prescribed in 1827.303(d)(1), insert the following clause:

    New Technology

    (XX/XX)

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

    Administrator means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or duly authorized representative.

    Made means—

    (1) When used in relation to any invention other than a plant variety, the conception or first actual reduction to practice of the invention; or

    (2) When used in relation to a plant variety, that the Contractor has at least tentatively determined that the variety has been reproduced with recognized characteristics.

    Nonprofit organization means a domestic university or other institution of higher education or an organization of the type described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(a)), or any domestic nonprofit scientific or educational organization qualified under a State nonprofit organization statute.

    Practical application means to manufacture, in the case of a composition or product; to practice, in the case of a process or method; or to operate, in the case of a machine or system; and, in each case, under Start Printed Page 57028such conditions as to establish that the invention is being utilized and that its benefits are, to the extent permitted by law or Government regulations, available to the public on reasonable terms.

    Reportable item means any invention, discovery, improvement, or innovation of the contractor, whether or not patentable or otherwise protectable 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.

    Small business firm means a domestic small business concern as defined at 15 U.S.C. 632 and implementing regulations of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. (For the purpose of this definition, the criteria and size standard adopted in the FAR Subpart 2.1 definitions for “small business concern” and for “small business subcontractor” will be used.)

    Subject invention means any reportable item which 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.).

    (b) Allocation of principal rights.

    (1) Presumption of title.

    (i) Any reportable item that the Administrator considers to be a subject invention shall be presumed to have been made in the manner specified in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of Section 20135(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Act (51 U.S.C. 20135(b)) (hereinafter “the Act”), and the above presumption shall be conclusive unless at the time of reporting the reportable item in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this clause the Contractor submits to the Contracting Officer a written statement, containing supporting details, demonstrating that the reportable item was not made in the manner specified in the Act.

    (ii) Regardless of whether title to a given subject invention would otherwise be subject to an advance waiver or is the subject of a petition for waiver as described in paragraph (b)(3) of this clause, the Contractor may nevertheless file the statement described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this clause. The Administrator will review the information furnished by the Contractor in any such statement and any other available information relating to the circumstances surrounding the making of the subject invention and will notify the Contractor whether the Administrator has determined that the subject invention was made in the manner specified in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of Section 20135(b) of the Act.

    (2) Property rights in subject inventions. Each subject invention for which the presumption of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this clause is conclusive or for which there has been a determination that it was made in the manner specified in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of Section 20135(b) of the Act shall be the exclusive property of the United States as represented by NASA unless the Administrator waives all or any part of the rights of the United States, as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this clause.

    (3) Waiver of rights.

    (i) Section 20135(g) of the Act provides for the promulgation of regulations by which the Administrator may waive all or any part of the rights of the United States with respect to any invention or class of inventions made or that may be made under conditions specified in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of Section 20135(b) of the Act. The promulgated NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1, provide procedures for the Contractor to submit petitions (requests) for waiver of rights and guidance for NASA in acting on petitions for such waiver of rights.

    (ii) As provided in 14 CFR 1245, Subpart 1, the Contractor may petition, either prior to execution of the contract or within 30 days after execution of the contract, for advance waiver of rights to any invention or class of inventions that may be made under a contract. If such a petition is not submitted, or if after submission it is denied, the Contractor (or an employee inventor of the Contractor) may petition for waiver of rights to an identified subject invention within eight months of first disclosure of invention in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this clause, or within such longer period as may be authorized in accordance with 14 CFR 1245.105.

    (c) Minimum rights reserved by the Government.

    (1) With respect to each subject invention for which a waiver of rights has been granted, the Government reserves—

    (i) 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 with the United States; and

    (ii) Such other rights as stated in 14 CFR 1245.107.

    (2) Nothing contained in this paragraph (c) shall be considered to grant to the Government any rights with respect to any invention other than a subject invention.

    (d) Minimum rights to the Contractor.

    (1) The Contractor is hereby granted a revocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license in each patent application filed in any country on a subject invention in which the Government has title and in any resulting patent, unless the Contractor fails to disclose the subject invention within the times specified in paragraph (e)(2) of this clause. The Contractor's license extends to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the Contractor is a party 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 is 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 Contractor's domestic license may be revoked or modified by the Administrator to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention pursuant to an application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with 37 CFR Part 404, Licensing of Government Owned Inventions. The Contractor's license will not be revoked in that field of use or the geographical areas in which the Contractor has achieved practical application and continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. The license in any foreign country may be revoked or modified at the discretion of the Administrator to the extent the Contractor, its licensees, or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to achieve practical application in that foreign country.

    (3) Before revoking or modifying the Contractor's license, the Contractor will be provided a written notice of the Administrator's intention to revoke or modify the license, and the Contractor will be allowed 30 days (or such other time as may be authorized by the Administrator for good cause shown) after the notice to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified. The Contractor has the right to appeal to the Administrator any decision concerning the revocation or modification of its license.

    (e) Contractor's obligations.

    (1) The Contractor shall establish and maintain active and effective procedures to assure that reportable items are promptly identified and disclosed to Contractor personnel responsible for the administration of this New Technology-Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization clause within six months of conception and/or first actual reduction to practice, whichever occurs first in the performance of work under this contract. These procedures shall include the maintenance of laboratory notebooks or equivalent records and other records as are reasonably necessary to document the conception and/or the first actual reduction to practice of the reportable items, and records that show that the procedures for identifying and disclosing reportable items are followed. Upon request, the Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer a description of such procedures for evaluation and for determination as to their effectiveness.

    (2) The Contractor shall disclose in writing each reportable item to the Contracting Officer within two months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Contractor personnel responsible for the administration of this New Technology-Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization clause or within six months after the Contractor becomes aware that a reportable item has been made, whichever is earlier, but in any event for subject inventions before any on sale, public use, or publication of such invention known to the Contractor. The Start Printed Page 57029disclosure to the agency shall identify the inventor(s) or innovator(s) and this contract under which the reportable item was made. It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding, to the extent known at the time of the disclosure, of the nature, purpose, operation, and physical, chemical, biological, or electrical characteristics of the reportable item. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, sale or offer for sale, or public use of any subject invention and whether a manuscript describing such invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication at the time of disclosure. In addition, after disclosure to the agency, the Contractor will promptly notify the agency of the acceptance of any manuscript describing a subject invention for publication or of any sale, offer for sale, or public use planned by the Contractor for such invention.

    (3) The Contractor may use whatever format is convenient to disclose reportable items required in subparagraph (e)(2). NASA prefers that the Contractor use either the electronic or paper version of NASA Form 1679, Disclosure of Invention and New Technology (including computer software) to disclose reportable items. Both the electronic and paper versions of NASA Form 1679 may be accessed at the electronic New Technology Reporting Web site http://invention.nasa.gov.

    (4) The Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer the following:

    (i) Interim new technology summary reports every 12 months (or such longer period as may be specified by the Contracting Officer) from the date of the contract, listing reportable items during that period, and certifying that all reportable items have been disclosed (or that there are no such inventions).

    (ii) A final new technology summary report, within 3 months after completion of the contracted work, listing all reportable items or certifying that there were no such reportable items, and listing all subcontracts at any tier containing a patent rights clause or certifying that there were no such subcontracts.

    (5) The Contractor agrees, upon written request of the Contracting Officer, to furnish additional technical and other information available to the Contractor as is necessary for the preparation of a patent application on a subject invention and for the prosecution of the patent application, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications on subject inventions and to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions.

    (6) The Contractor agrees, subject to paragraph 27.302(j) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), that the Government may duplicate and disclose subject invention disclosures and all other reports and papers furnished or required to be furnished pursuant to this clause.

    (f) Examination of records relating to inventions.

    (1) The Contracting Officer or any authorized representative shall, until 3 years after final payment under this contract, have the right to examine any books (including laboratory notebooks), records, and documents of the Contractor relating to the conception or first actual reduction to practice of inventions in the same field of technology as the work under this contract to determine whether—

    (i) Any such inventions are subject inventions;

    (ii) The Contractor has established and maintained the procedures required by paragraph (e)(1) of this clause; and

    (iii) The Contractor and its inventors have complied with the procedures.

    (2) If the Contracting Officer learns of an unreported Contractor invention that the Contracting Officer believes may be a subject invention, the Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to disclose the invention to the agency for a determination of ownership rights.

    (3) Any examination of records under this paragraph will be subject to appropriate conditions to protect the confidentiality of the information involved.

    (g) Withholding of payment (this paragraph does not apply to subcontracts).

    (1) Any time before final payment under this contract, the Contracting Officer may, in the Government's interest, withhold payment until a reserve not exceeding $50,000 or 5 percent of the amount of this contract, whichever is less, shall have been set aside if, in the Contracting Officer's opinion, the Contractor fails to—

    (i) Establish, maintain, and follow effective procedures for identifying and disclosing reportable items pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) of this clause;

    (ii) Disclose any reportable items pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) of this clause;

    (iii) Deliver acceptable interim new technology summary reports pursuant to paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this clause or a final new technology summary report pursuant to paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this clause; or

    (iv) Provide the information regarding subcontracts pursuant to paragraph (h)(4) of this clause.

    (2) Such reserve or balance shall be withheld until the Contracting Officer has determined that the Contractor has rectified whatever deficiencies exist and has delivered all reports, disclosures, and other information required by this clause.

    (3) Final payment under this contract shall not be made before the Contractor delivers to the Contracting Officer all disclosures of reportable items required by paragraph (e)(2) of this clause, and an acceptable final new technology summary report pursuant to paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this clause.

    (4) The Contracting Officer may decrease or increase the sums withheld up to the maximum authorized above. No amount shall be withheld under this paragraph while the amount specified by this paragraph is being withheld under other provisions of the contract. The withholding of any amount or the subsequent payment thereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any Government rights.

    (h) Subcontracts.

    (1) Unless otherwise authorized or directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall—

    (i) Include this clause (suitably modified to identify the parties) in any subcontract hereunder (regardless of tier) with other than a small business firm or nonprofit organization for the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work; or

    (ii) Include the clause at FAR 52.227-11, as modified by 1852.227-11, (suitably modified to identify the parties) in any subcontract hereunder (regardless of tier) with a small business firm or nonprofit organization for the performance of experimental, developmental, or research work; and

    (iii) Modify the applicable clause in any subcontract hereunder (regardless of tier) to identify the parties as follows: References to the Government are not changed, and in all references to the Contractor, the subcontractor is substituted for the Contractor so that the subcontractor has all rights and obligations of the Contractor in the clause.

    (2) In the event of a refusal by a prospective subcontractor to accept such a clause the Contractor—

    (i) Shall promptly submit a written notice to the Contracting Officer setting forth the subcontractor's reasons for such refusal and other pertinent information that may expedite disposition of the matter; and

    (ii) Shall not proceed with such subcontract without the written authorization of the Contracting Officer.

    (3) In the case of subcontracts at any tier, the agency, subcontractor, and Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subcontractor and NASA with respect to those matters covered by this clause.

    (4) The Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer in writing upon the award of any subcontract hereunder (regardless of tier) by identifying the subcontractor, the applicable patent rights clause in the subcontract, the work to be performed under the subcontract, and the dates of award and estimated completion. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of such subcontract, and, no more frequently than annually, a listing of the subcontracts that have been awarded.

    (5) The subcontractor will retain all rights provided for the Contractor in the clause of paragraph (h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this clause, whichever is included in the subcontract, and the Contractor will not, as part of the consideration for awarding the subcontract, obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions.

    (i) Preference for United States industry. Unless provided otherwise, no Contractor that receives title to any subject invention and no assignee of any such Contractor shall grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless such person agrees that any products embodying the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. However, in individual cases, the requirement may be waived by the Administrator upon a showing by the Contractor or assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture Start Printed Page 57030substantially in the United States or that under the circumstances domestic manufacture is not commercially feasible.

    (End of clause)

    Requests for Waiver of Rights to Inventions.

    As prescribed in 1827.303(d)(2), insert the following provision in all solicitations that include the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology-Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization:

    Requests for Waiver of Rights to Inventions

    (XX/XX)

    (a) In accordance with Section 20135(g) of the National Aeronautics and Space Act (51 U.S.C. 20135(g)) (hereinafter “the Act”) and the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR Part 1245, Subpart 1, NASA may waive all or any part of the rights of the United States with respect to any invention or class of inventions made or that may be made under a NASA contract or subcontract with other than a small business firm or a domestic nonprofit organization if the Administrator determines that the interests of the United States will be served thereby. Waiver of rights in inventions made or that may be made under such NASA contract or subcontract may be requested at different time periods. Advance waiver of rights to any invention or class of inventions that may be made under a contract or subcontract may be requested prior to the execution of the contract or subcontract, or within 30 days after execution by the selected contractor (or such longer period as may be specified by the Contracting Officer). In addition, waiver of rights to an individually identified invention or to a class of inventions made and reported under a contract or subcontract may be requested, even though a request for an advance waiver was not made or, if made, was not granted.

    (b) Each request for waiver of rights shall be by petition to the Administrator. No specific forms need be used, but the request should contain a positive statement that waiver of rights is being requested under the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations; a clear indication of whether the request is for an advance waiver or for a waiver of rights for an individually identified invention or class of inventions; whether foreign rights are also requested and, if so, the countries, and a citation of the specific section or sections of the regulations under which such rights are requested. For individually identified inventions or a class of inventions, the petition shall identify each invention with particularity (e.g., by NASA's assigned number to the Disclosure of Invention and New Technology report or by title and inventorship). For advance waivers, the petition shall identify the invention or class of inventions that the Contractor believes will be made under the contract and for which waiver is being requested. To meet the statutory standard of “any invention or class of inventions,” the petition must be directed to a single invention or to inventions directed to a particular process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or to a narrowly-drawn, focused area of technology. Additionally, each petition shall include an identification of the petitioner; place of business and address; if petitioner is represented by counsel, the name, address and telephone number of the counsel; the name, address, and telephone number of the party with whom to communicate when the request is acted upon; the signature of the petitioner or authorized representative; and the date of signature. In general, waivers are granted in order to provide for the widest practicable dissemination of new technology resulting from NASA programs, and to promote early utilization, expeditious development, and continued availability of this new technology for commercial purposes and the public benefit. Thus, it is preferable that the petition also include a description of the Contractor's plan for commercializing the invention or class of inventions for which waiver is being requested (e.g., identify specific fields of use).

    (c) Petitions for advance waiver of rights should, preferably, be included with the proposal, or at least in advance of contract negotiations. Petitions for advance waiver, prior to contract execution, shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer. All other petitions shall be submitted to the Patent Representative designated in the contract.

    (d) Petitions submitted with proposals selected for negotiation of a contract will be forwarded by the Contracting Officer to the installation Patent Counsel for processing and then to the Inventions and Contributions Board. The Board will consider these petitions and where the Board makes the findings to support the waiver, the Board will recommend to the Administrator that waiver be granted, and will notify the petitioner and the Contracting Officer of the Administrator's determination. The Contracting Officer will be informed by the Board whenever there is insufficient time or information or other reasons to permit a decision to be made without unduly delaying the execution of the contract. In the latter event, the petitioner will be so notified by the Contracting Officer. All other petitions will be processed by installation Patent Counsel and forwarded to the Board. The Board shall notify the petitioner of its action and if waiver is granted, the conditions, reservations, and obligations thereof will be included in the Instrument of Waiver. Whenever the Board notifies a petitioner of a recommendation adverse to, or different from, the waiver requested, the petitioner may request reconsideration under procedures set forth in the Regulations.

    (End of provision)

    Designation of New Technology Representative and Patent Representative.

    As prescribed in 1827.303(d)(3), insert the following clause:

    Designation of New Technology Representative and Patent Representative

    (XX/XX)

    (a) For purposes of administration of the clause of this contract entitled “New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization” or “Patent Rights—Ownership by the Contractor,” whichever is included, the installation New Technology and Patent Representatives identified at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/​portals/​pl/​new_​tech_​pocs.html are hereby designated by the Contracting Officer to administer such clause for the appropriate installation:

    (b) Disclosures of reportable items and of subject inventions, interim new technology summary reports, final new technology summary reports, utilization reports, and other reports required by the applicable “New Technology” or “Patent Rights—Ownership by the Contractor” clause, as well as any correspondence with respect to such matters, shall be directed to the New Technology Representative unless transmitted in response to correspondence or request from the Patent Representative. Inquiries or requests regarding disposition of rights, election of rights, or related matters shall be directed to the Patent Representative. This clause shall be included in any subcontract hereunder requiring a “New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization” clause or “Patent Rights—Ownership by the Contractor” clause, unless otherwise authorized or directed by the Contracting Officer. The respective responsibilities and authorities of the aforementioned representatives are set forth in 1827.305-270 of the NASA FAR Supplement.

    (End of clause)

    Start Printed Page 57031
    Patent Rights Clauses.

    As prescribed in 1827.303(a)(1), the contracting officer shall insert the following provision in solicitations for experimental, developmental, or research work to be performed in the United States when the eventual awardee may be a small business or a nonprofit organization:

    Patent Rights Clauses

    (XX/XX)

    This solicitation contains the patent rights clauses of FAR 52.227-11 (as modified by the NFS) and NFS 1852.227-70. If the contract resulting from this solicitation is awarded to a small business or nonprofit organization, the clause at NFS 1852.227-70 shall not apply. If the award is to other than a small business or nonprofit organization, the clause at FAR 52.227-11 shall not apply.

    (End of Provision)

    Invention Reporting and Rights—Foreign.

    As prescribed in 1827.303(e)(1), insert the following clause:

    Invention Reporting and Rights—Foreign

    (XX/XX)

    (a) As used in this clause, the term “invention” means any invention, discovery or improvement, and “made” means the conception or first actual demonstration that the invention is useful and operable.

    (b) The Contractor shall report promptly to the Contracting Officer each invention made in the performance of work under this contract. The report of each such invention shall:

    (1) Identify the inventor(s) by full name; and

    (2) Include such full and complete technical information concerning the invention as is necessary to enable an understanding of the nature and operation thereof.

    (c) The Contractor hereby grants to the Government of the United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration the full right, title and interest in and to each such invention throughout the world, except for the foreign country in which this contract is to be performed. As to such foreign country, Contractor hereby grants to the Government of the United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration an irrevocable, nontransferable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license to practice each such invention by or on behalf of the United States of America or any foreign government pursuant to any treaty or agreement with the United States of America, provided that Contractor within a reasonable time files a patent application in that foreign country for each such invention. Where Contractor does not elect to file such patent application for any such invention in that foreign country, full right, title and interest in and to such invention in that foreign country shall reside in the Government of the United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    (d) The Contractor agrees to execute or to secure the execution of such legal instruments as may be necessary to confirm and to protect the rights granted by paragraph (c) of this clause, including papers incident to the filing and prosecution of patent applications.

    (e) Upon completion of the contract work, and prior to final payment, Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer a final report listing all inventions required to be reported under this contract or certifying that no such inventions have been made.

    (f) In each subcontract, the Contractor awards under this contract where the performance of research, experimental design, engineering, or developmental work is contemplated, the Contractor shall include this clause (suitably modified to substitute the subcontractor in place of the Contractor) and the name and address of the Contracting Officer.

    (End of Clause)

    Commercial Computer Software License.

    As prescribed in 1827.409(g), insert the following clause:

    Commercial Computer Software License

    (XX/XX)

    (a) Any delivered commercial computer software (including documentation thereof) developed at private expense and claimed as proprietary shall be subject to the restricted rights in paragraph (d) of this clause. Where the vendor/contractor proposes its standard commercial software license, those applicable portions thereof consistent with Federal laws, standard industry practices, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the NASA FAR Supplement, including the restricted rights in paragraph (d) of this clause, are incorporated into and made a part of this purchase order/contract. Those portions of the vendor's/contractor's standard commercial license or lease agreement that conflict with Federal law (e.g., indemnity provisions or choice of law provisions that specify other than Federal law) are not incorporated into and made a part of this purchase order/contract and do not apply to any computer software delivered under this purchase order/contract.

    (b) If the vendor/contractor does not propose its standard commercial software license until after this purchase order/contract has been issued, or until at or after the time the computer software is delivered, such license shall nevertheless be deemed incorporated into and made a part of this purchase order/contract under the same terms and conditions as in paragraph (a) of this clause. For purposes of receiving updates, correction notices, consultation, and similar activities on the computer software, no document associated with the aforementioned activities shall alter the terms of this clause unless such document explicitly references this clause and an intent to amend this clause and is signed by the NASA Contracting Officer.

    (c) The vendor's/contractor's acceptance is expressly limited to the terms and conditions of this purchase order/contract. If the specified computer software is shipped or delivered to NASA, it shall be understood that the vendor/contractor has unconditionally accepted the terms and conditions set forth in this clause, and that such terms and conditions (including the incorporated license) constitute the entire agreement between the parties concerning rights in the computer software.

    (d) The following restricted rights shall apply:

    (1) The commercial computer software may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed by the Government, or Government contractors or their subcontractors at any tier, except as provided below or otherwise expressly stated in the purchase order/contract.

    (2) The commercial computer software may be—

    (i) Used, or copied for use, in or with any computer owned or leased by, or on behalf of, the Government; provided, the software is not used, nor copied for use, in or with more than one computer simultaneously, unless otherwise permitted by the license incorporated under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this clause;

    (ii) Reproduced for safekeeping (archives) or backup purposes;

    (iii) Modified, adapted, or combined with other computer software, provided that the modified, combined, or adapted portions of the derivative software incorporating restricted computer software shall be subject to the same restricted rights; and

    (iv) Disclosed and reproduced for use by Government contractors or their subcontractors in accordance with the restricted rights in paragraphs (d)(2)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this clause; provided they have the Government's permission to use the computer software and have also agreed to protect the computer software from unauthorized use and disclosure.

    (3) If the incorporated vendor's/contractor's software license contains provisions or rights that are less restrictive than the restricted rights in paragraph (d)(2) of this clause, then the less restrictive provisions or rights shall prevail.

    (4) If the computer software is otherwise available without disclosure restrictions, it is licensed to the Government, without disclosure restrictions, with the rights in paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this clause.

    (5) The Contractor shall affix a notice substantially as follows to any commercial computer software delivered under this contract:

    Notice—Notwithstanding any other lease or license agreement that may pertain to, or accompany the delivery of, this computer software, the rights of the Government regarding its use, reproduction and disclosure are set forth in Government Contract No. ______.

    (End of clause)

    Start Printed Page 57032
    Government-Furnished Computer Software and Related Technical Data.

    As prescribed in 1827.409(m), insert the following clause:

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

    Government-furnished computer software” or GFCS means computer software:

    (1) In the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government whereby the Government has title or license rights thereto; and

    (2) Subsequently furnished to the Contractor for performance of a Government contract.

    Computer software, data and technical data have the meaning provided in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 2.1—Definitions or the Rights in Data—General clause (FAR 52.227-14).

    (b) The Government shall furnish to the Contractor the GFCS described in this contract or in writing by the Contracting Officer. The Government shall furnish any related technical data needed for the intended use of the GFCS.

    (c) Use of GFCS and related technical data. The Contractor shall use the GFCS and related technical data, and any modified or enhanced versions thereof, only for performing work under this contract unless otherwise provided for in this contract or approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

    (1) The Contractor shall not, without the express written permission of the Contracting Officer, reproduce, distribute copies, prepare derivative works, perform publicly, display publicly, release, or disclose the GFCS or related technical data to any person except for the performance of work under this contract.

    (2) The Contractor shall not modify or enhance the GFCS unless this contract specifically identifies the modifications and enhancements as work to be performed. If the GFCS is modified or enhanced pursuant to this contract, the Contractor shall provide to the Government the complete source code, if any, and all related documentation of the modified or enhanced GFCS.

    (3) Allocation of rights associated with any GFCS or related technical data modified or enhanced under this contract shall be defined by the FAR Rights in Data clause(s) included in this contract (as modified by any applicable NASA FAR Supplement clauses). If no Rights in Data clause is included in this contract, then the FAR Rights in Data—General (52.227-14) as modified by the NASA FAR Supplement (1852.227-14) shall apply to all data first produced in the performance of this contract and all data delivered under this contract.

    (4) The Contractor may provide the GFCS, and any modified or enhanced versions thereof, to subcontractors as necessary for the performance of work under this contract. Before release of the GFCS, and any modified or enhanced versions thereof, to such subcontractors (at any tier), the Contractor shall insert, or require the insertion of, this clause, including this paragraph (c)(4), suitably modified to identify the parties as follows: references to the Government are not changed, and in all references to the Contractor the subcontractor is substituted for the Contractor so that the subcontractor has all rights and obligations of the Contractor in the clause.

    (d) The Government provides the GFCS in an “AS-IS” condition. The Government makes no warranty with respect to the serviceability and/or suitability of the GFCS for contract performance.

    (e) The Contracting Officer may by written notice, at any time—

    (1) Increase or decrease the amount of GFCS under this contract;

    (2) Substitute other GFCS for the GFCS previously furnished, to be furnished, or to be acquired by the Contractor for the Government under this contract;

    (3) Withdraw authority to use the GFCS or related technical data; or

    (4) Instruct the Contractor to return or dispose of the GFCS and related technical data.

    (f) Title to or license rights in GFCS. The Government shall retain title to or license rights in all GFCS. Title to or license rights in GFCS shall not be affected by its incorporation into or attachment to any data not owned by or licensed to the Government.

    (g) Waiver of Claims and Indemnification. The Contractor agrees to waive any and all claims against the Government and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government, its agents, and employees from every claim or liability, including attorney's 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 the GFCS and related technical data by the Contractor, a subcontractor, or by any person to whom the Contractor has released or disclosed such GFCS or related technical data.

    (h) Flow-down of Waiver of Claims and Indemnification. In the event a contract includes this NASA FAR Supplement clause 1852.227-88, the Contractor shall include the foregoing clause 1852.227-88(g), suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts, regardless of tier, which involve use of the GFCS and/or related technical data in any way. At all tiers, the clause shall be modified to define GFCS as it is defined herein and to identify the parties as follows: references to the Government are not changed, and in all references to the Contractor the subcontractor is substituted for the Contractor so that the subcontractor has all rights and obligations of the Contractor in the clause. In subcontracts, at any tier, the Government, the subcontractor, and the Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause 1852.227-88 constitute a contract between the subcontractor and the Government with respect to the matters covered by the clause.

    (End of clause)

    [Removed]
    Start Amendment Part

    65. Section 1852.228-73 is removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    66. in section 1852.231-71, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follow

    End Amendment Part
    Determination of Compensation Reasonableness.

    * * *

    Determination of Compensation Reasonableness

    (XX/XX)

    * * * * *

    (d) The offeror shall require all service subcontractors provide, as part of their proposal, the information identified in (a) through (c) of this provision for cost reimbursement or non-competitive fixed-price type subcontracts having a total potential value expected to exceed the threshold for requiring certified cost or pricing data as set forth in FAR 15.403-4.

    (End of provision)

    Start Amendment Part

    67. In section 1852.232-70, paragraphs (a)(2) and (c)(3) are revised to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    NASA Modification of FAR 52.232-12 .
    * * * * *

    NASA Modification of FAR 52.232-12

    (XX/XX)

    (a) * * *

    (2) In paragraph (m)(1), delete “in the form prescribed by the administering office” and substitute “and Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report.”

    * * * * *

    (c) * * *

    (3) In paragraph (j)(1), insert between “statements,” and “and” “together with Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report”

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    68. Sections 1852.237-72 and 1852.237-73 are removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    69. Section 1852.242-70 is removed.

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    70. Section 1852.249-72 is removed.

    End Amendment Part End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2014-21476 Filed 9-23-14; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 7510-13-P