The Consortium for Command, Control and Communications in Cyberspace (C5) is organized under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 (NCRPA) and provides a framework for affiliated businesses, nonprofit entities and academic institutions to collaborate with Federal agencies and each other to accelerate the development and deployment of new capabilities to the Warfighter through the use of Other Transaction Authority. C5 is managed by Consortium Management Group, Inc. (CMG), a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation.
Through the use of Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), C5 consortium members are eligible to carry out prototype projects and follow-on production to enhance the mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) or to improve the platforms, systems, components or materials in use by the Armed Forces.
Membership Terms
Membership in C5 is open on a rolling basis to all companies and academic institutions conducting research and prototype development in the C4ISR and cyber technology domains.
As a condition of membership and good standing, all members are required to pay non-refundable membership dues annually in the amount of $500. These dues are waived for all new members in their first year, and dues for universities, colleges and other academic institutions are waived in perpetuity. Duration of membership is one (1) year from date of application, and, unless terminated by CMG or the member, membership will automatically renew each year. Members will be billed annually on the anniversary date of membership enrollment. Members may terminate membership at any time by written notice to CMG; and at its sole discretion, CMG may terminate a member's participation in the Consortium by written notice to a member should such member fail to comply with the Member Responsibilities set out below. Members are non-voting participants in C5, and neither they nor their directors, officers, employees, or agents are employees or agents of C5, or CMG.
CMG assesses a small management and administrative fee, expressed as a fixed percentage, on each Prototype Project awarded to a C5 member, which is used to support consortium operations.
Member Responsibilities
- Pay annual membership dues;
- Maintain and update Agreement POC information and member distribution list, and notify CMG of any changes/additions/deletions thereof;
- Follow and comply with C5's White Paper, Project Proposal and Project Agreement processes;
- Notify CMG in writing prior to member's withdrawal from the Consortium;
- Refrain from any conflict with or interference in the operations of the Consortium and from any conduct that may be injurious to C5, or CMG;
- Maintain the integrity of any and all information and materials designated confidential, proprietary or as a trade secret;
- Conduct operations in a professional manner and in accordance with applicable industry standards;
- Comply with all applicable laws including United States anti-trust and export control laws; and
- May not transfer membership to any third party.
- Members waive all claims against C5, CMG and other C5 members and their employees and related entities for claims or damages arising from or related to activities undertaken pursuant to this Consortium Membership Agreement, except for claims or damages related to intellectual property rights and in the case of willful misconduct.
Consortium Responsibilities
- Provide access to Government customers throughout the DoD and certain other Federal agencies through C5's White Paper, Project Proposal and Project Agreement processes, available only to members;
- Engage in business-development activity to seek additional opportunities with other Federal, State, local and private entities for C5 Members to conduct research, prototype development and follow-on activities that support the mission of the Department of Defense (DoD) and other Federal, State and local agencies. This may require the formation of additional consortia in the C4ISR and cybersecurity domains. Each C5 member automatically will become a member in any new consortium that is formed, but may decline membership.
- Promote collaboration with Government customers and other members related to prototype development projects;
- File appropriate documentation with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to the NCRPA on behalf of members;
- Provide members access to the applicable OTA(s) (please contact CMG for a copy); and
- Host an annual membership meeting, at a time and place determined by CMG.
