Aerospace series - Programme Management - General guidelines for acquisition and supply of open systems

This technical specification addresses the acquisition and delivery processes for open source software within aerospace project management contexts. It establishes a comprehensive framework designed to guide stakeholders through the complexities of integrating third-party developed code into mission-critical systems. The document outlines essential procedures for evaluating license compliance, managing intellectual property rights, and ensuring long-term sustainability of software components. By providing clear guidelines, it facilitates the seamless adoption of open source tools while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards required in the aviation and space sectors. The content covers risk assessment methodologies, supply chain transparency, and vendor collaboration strategies specific to the nature of community-driven development. It serves as a reference for project managers and technical leads responsible for procurement decisions involving open source solutions. The guidance aims to harmonize internal development practices with external contributions, ensuring that all adopted software meets established technical and legal requirements. This document supports consistent implementation across various organizational structures involved in aerospace engineering and related fields.