Comments on SPD-41 software licensing requirements

Abstract: The proposed changes to Science Missions Directorate (SMD) Policy Document 41 (SPD-41) include requirements that SMD-funded software should be released using a permissive software license and following best practices from the open source software community. This is a welcome change that will lead to greater acceptance and adoption of SMD-funded software. However, ambiguities exist in the policy text around what licenses will be allowed. This could lead to problems in the solicitation process and friction with the open source software community. Moreover, some additional clarifications are warranted around what exceptions might be allowed to the software licensing policy.