Technical data rights in a CALS environment

Abstract

DOD weapon system and commodity managers currently are seeking to implement large scale automated procurement and information systems for sharing databases between DOD and various contractor and subcontractor activities. A prevalent shared database system is the Continuous Acquisition and Life- Cycle Support (CALS) system and the associated Joint Continuous Acquisition and Life-Cycle Support (JCALS) system for major weapon system procurement. An important issue for the manager of any integrated, shared database is the protection of technical data rights for the information contained in the database. This study, through the use of personal interviews and surveys, determined that the existing dichotomy between the Government and industry concerning technical data rights protection can be bridged through standardization of the CALS program, simplification and clarification of governing policies and guidelines, and better use of inputs from system users.