Key terms and definitions

What is a defense service?

A defense service is furnishing of assistance to foreign persons, whether in the United States or abroad in the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, assembly, testing, repair, maintenance, modification, operation, demilitarization, destruction, processing or use of defense articles; or  the furnishing to foreign persons of any technical data controlled whether in the United States or abroad.

What is a Technology Control Plan (TCP)?

A TCP is a protocol that outlines the procedures to secure certain export-controlled items (technical data, materials, software, or hardware) from unauthorized use, access, and observation by non-U.S. persons. The Export Control staff, with assistance from the Principal Investigator (PI), will develop a TCP that is designed for the specific project. The PI is the ultimate responsible party for adherence to the TCP by project personnel. All project personnel listed on the TCP are required to complete export control training every two years.

What is a foreign entity?

A foreign entity is any corporation, business association, partnership, trust, society or any other entity or group that is not incorporated or organized to do business in the United States, as well as international organizations, foreign governments and any agency or subdivision of foreign governments. A person (even a U.S. citizen) is considered a foreign person if they work for or represent a foreign entity.

What is not subject to the deemed export rule?

For University research, there are three ways that technical information may qualify for an exclusion from the deemed export rule. Information is excluded if it:
  • Is published or disseminated in the Public Domain
  • Arises during, or results from, fundamental research
  • Is educational information released by instruction in catalog courses or associated teaching laboratories of academic institutions.