[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 233 (Monday, December 5, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 75875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31111]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Defense Acquisition Regulations System


Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Open Source 
Software Public Meeting

AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: DoD is hosting a public meeting to initiate a dialogue with 
industry regarding the use of open source software in DoD contracts.

DATES: Public Meeting: January 12, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST.

ADDRESSES: Public Meeting: The public meeting will be held in the 
General Services Administration (GSA), Central Office Auditorium, 1800 
F Street NW., Washington DC, 20405. The GSA Auditorium is located on 
the main floor of the building.
    Submission of Comments: Interested parties are encouraged to submit 
comments in advance of the public meeting in order to establish the 
agenda and framework for the discussions in the meeting. Please cite 
``Public Meeting, DFARS--Open Source Software'' in all correspondence 
related to this public meeting. You may submit written comments using 
any of the following methods:
    [cir] Email: [email protected]. Include ``Public Meeting, DFARS--Open 
Source Software'' in the subject line of the message.
    [cir] Fax: (703) 602-0350.
    [cir] Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Mr. Mark 
Gomersall, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP(DARS), Room 3B855, 3060 Defense Pentagon, 
Washington, DC 20301-3060.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mark Gomersall, telephone (703) 
602-0302.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DoD is interested in obtaining input from 
the public with regard to the risks to the contractors and the 
Government associated with using open source software on DoD contracts 
in the following areas:
     What are the risks that open source software may include 
proprietary or copyrighted material incorporated into the open source 
software without the authorization of the actual author, thereby 
exposing the Government and contractors who use or deliver the open 
source software to potential copyright infringement liability?
     Are contractors facing performance and warranty 
deficiencies to the extent that the open source software does not meet 
contract requirements, and the open source software license leaves the 
contractors without recourse?
     To what extent should the DFARS be revised to specify 
clearly the rights the Government obtains when a contractor acquires 
open source software for the Government, and why?
    Registration: Individuals wishing to attend the public meeting 
should register by December 30, 2011, to ensure adequate room 
accommodations and to create an attendee list for secure entry to the 
GSA building for anyone who is not a Federal Government employee with a 
Government badge. Interested parties may register at this Web site, 
http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/open_source_software.html, by 
providing the following information:
    (1) Company or organization name.
    (2) Names and email addresses of persons attending.
    (3) Last four digits of social security number for each attendee 
(non-Federal employees only).
    (4) Identify presenter if desiring to speak (limited to a 10-minute 
presentation per company or organization).

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure 
they are processed through security in a timely fashion. Attendees who 
registered online will be given priority if room constraints require 
limits on attendance.
    Special Accommodations: The public meeting location is physically 
accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for sign language 
interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Mark 
Gomersall, telephone (703) 602-0302, at least 10 working days prior to 
the meeting date.
    Presentations: If an attendee wishes to present a short oral 
presentation at the meeting of ten minutes or less, please advise 
during registration so appropriate arrangements can be made for 
scheduling purposes. If the presenter intends to share a handout to 
accompany an oral statement, please submit the document to 
[email protected] for posting no later than December 30, 2011, so that 
other attendees may download the handout prior to the meeting. When 
submitting briefing information, provide the presenter's name, 
organization affiliation, telephone number, and email address on the 
cover page.
    Correspondence and Comments: Please cite ``Public Meeting, DFARS--
Open Source Software'' in all correspondence related to this public 
meeting. The submitted presentations will be the only record of the 
public meeting.
    Government procurement.

Ynette R. Shelkin,
Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.
[FR Doc. 2011-31111 Filed 12-2-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P