DoD Proposes Significant Amendments to the DFARS Data Rights Scheme

On June 16, 2016, DoD issued a proposed rule to amend the DFARS to implement section 815 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012, which made significant changes to the data rights scheme for DoD contracts. Among other things, the proposed rule permits the release of “segregation and reintegration” technical data and computer software outside of the government (subject to restrictions), even when the item, component, or process to which that data pertains or the computer software was developed exclusively at private expense; expands DoD’s ability to order technical data and computer software post-award; doubles the time period in which DoD may challenge asserted data rights restrictions; and expressly imposes no time limit on DoD’s right to challenge fraudulently asserted restrictions.