FAR and DFARS › DFARS Part 209: Contractor Qualifications › Subpart 209.5

DFARS 209.505-4 Obtaining access to proprietary information.

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section explains how non-disclosure requirements apply when contractors access third party proprietary technical data or computer software. For most contractors, non-disclosure is handled through the clause at 252.227-7025, and covered Government support contractors may need to sign non-disclosure agreements directly with the third party. Litigation support contractors accessing litigation information are covered by a different clause, 252.204-7014, and are not required to sign non-disclosure agreements directly with third parties.

Applies to: Contractors accessing third party proprietary technical data, computer software, or litigation information

What it requires

  • Covered Government support contractors may be required to enter into non-disclosure agreements directly with the third party asserting restrictions

Key terms: non-disclosure agreements · litigation support contractors · covered Government support contractors · proprietary technical data · computer software

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

(b)(i) For contractors, other than litigation support contractors, accessing third party proprietary technical data or computer software, non-disclosure requirements are addressed at 227.7103-7(b), through use of the clause at 252.227-7025 as prescribed at 227.7103-6(c) and 227.7203-6(d). Pursuant to that clause, covered Government support contractors may be required to enter into non-disclosure agreements directly with the third party asserting restrictions on limited rights technical data, commercial technical data, or restricted rights computer software. The contracting officer is not required to obtain copies of these agreements or to ensure that they are properly executed.

(ii) For litigation support contractors accessing litigation information, including that originating from third parties, use and non-disclosure requirements are addressed through the use of the clause at 252.204-7014, as prescribed at 204.7403(a). Pursuant to the clause, litigation support contractors are not required to enter into non-disclosure agreements directly with any third party asserting restrictions on any litigation information.

Sections it refers to

  • 227.7103-7 Use and nondisclosure agreement.
  • 252.227-7025 Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Government-Furnished Information Marked with Restrictive Legends.
  • 227.7103-6 Contract clauses.
  • 227.7203-6 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
  • 252.204-7014 Limitations on the Use or Disclosure of Information by Litigation Support Contractors.
  • 204.7403 Contract clauses.

← 209.505 General rules. · 209.570 Limitations on contractors acting as lead system integrators. →

Rule changes for DFARS Part 209

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

DFARS 209.505-4 Obtaining access to proprietary information · SpendQuery