Software Engineering Institute

This monograph examines seven documents that contain official guidance regarding the use of COTS products in Government systems. The particular focus of each document is described, and the overall scope and applicability of the documents are considered, both individually and jointly. The expected audience for this monograph includes persons involved in acquisition and program management, for whom these policy statements are of binding significance.

The information contained in this monograph is by its nature subject to the revision of the documents and to the appearance of new policy statements. We expect that a revision of content, and possibly an expansion of its scope, will be necessary. We therefore intend to revise and update the monograph in the late spring of 1999, and as needed thereafter.