FAR 27.401 Definitions
Section Federal Acquisition Regulation
Facts
- Citation
- FAR 27.401
- Type
- Section
- Last amended
- 72 FR 63045 Effective Dec 7, 2007
- Proposed changes
- 1
- Text as of
- FAC 2026-01
- Official text
- acquisition.gov
Text from acquisition.gov. Federal Register history from the Federal Register's records of the rules that amended this section.
Text
As used in this subpart-
Data means recorded information, regardless of form or the media on which it may be recorded. The term includes technical data and computer software. The term does not include information incidental to contract administration, such as financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management information.
Form, fit, and function data means data relating to items, components, or processes that are sufficient to enable physical and functional interchangeability, and data identifying source, size, configuration, mating and attachment characteristics, functional characteristics, and performance requirements. For computer software it means data identifying source, functional characteristics, and performance requirements, but specifically excludes the source code, algorithms, processes, formulas, and flow charts of the software.
Limited rights means the rights of the Government in limited rights data as set forth in a Limited Rights Notice.
Limited rights data means data, other than computer software, that embody trade secrets or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, to the extent that such data pertain to items, components, or processes developed at private expense, including minor modifications. (Agencies may, however, adopt the following alternate definition: Limited rights data means data (other than computer software) developed at private expense that embody trade secrets or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged (see 27.404-2(b)).
Restricted computer software means computer software developed at private expense and that is a trade secret, is commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, or is copyrighted computer software, including minor modifications of the computer software.
Restricted rights means the rights of the Government in restricted computer software as set forth in a Restricted Rights Notice.
Unlimited rights means the rights of the Government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and for any purpose, and to have or permit others to do so.
Federal Register history
Proposed changes
| Proposed rule | Published | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 9, 27, and 47 | Closed Oct 19, 2026No final rule found |
Sections cited
- FAR 27.404-2(b) Limited rights data and restricted computer software
Terms defined
- Data
- Form, fit, and function data
- Limited rights
- Limited rights data
- Restricted computer software
- Restricted rights
- Unlimited rights
Quick answers
What is FAR 27.401?
FAR 27.401 is a section of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, titled "Definitions".
When was FAR 27.401 last changed?
The most recent final rule on record is "Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 1999-402, FAR Part 27 Rewrite in Plain Language" (72 FR 63045), published Nov 7, 2007 and effective Dec 7, 2007.
Are changes to FAR 27.401 proposed?
One proposed change has no final rule yet.
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