This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for incorporating technology modernization, upgrades, and refreshment into acquisitions involving information technology products or services supporting the development of applications, information systems, or system software.

As used in this subpart—

Application means the software that resides above system software and includes applications such as database programs, word processors and spreadsheets. Application software may be bundled with system software or published alone.

Modernization means the conversion, rewriting or porting of a legacy system to a modern computer programming language, software libraries, protocols, or hardware platform.

Refresh means the periodic replacement of equipment to ensure continuing reliability of equipment and/or improved speed and capacity.

System software means a platform composed of operating system programs and services, including settings and preferences, file libraries and functions used for system applications. System software also includes device drivers that run basic computer hardware and peripherals.

Upgrade means an updated version of existing hardware, software or firmware. The purpose of an upgrade is improved and updated product features, including performance, product life, usefulness and convenience.

Contracting officers will ensure all documents involving the acquisition of development or maintenance of DOT applications, systems, infrastructure, and services contain the appropriate clauses as may be required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other Federal authorities, in order to ensure that information system modernization is prioritized accordance with Federal law, OMB Guidance, and DOT policy.

(a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1252.239-89, Technology Modernization, in solicitations and contracts when the contractor or a subcontractor, at any tier, proposes a modernization approach to develop or maintain information systems, applications, infrastructure, or services.

(b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1252.239-90, Technology Upgrades/Refreshment, in solicitations and contracts when the contractor or a subcontractor at any tier, proposes technology improvements (upgrades/refreshments) to develop or maintain information systems, applications, infrastructure, or services.