Understanding unclassified military technical data
Find out how unclassified military technical data is defined and controlled in Canada and the United States (U.S.).
On this page
- About technical data
- About militarily critical technical data
- How militarily critical technical data is controlled
- Use of militarily critical technical data
- About the Joint Certification Program
About technical data
Technical data is any information, such as blueprints, drawings, plans, computer software or technical documentation that could be developed or adapted for use in military or space equipment.
About militarily critical technical data
Unclassified military is a type of unclassified technical data is used to produce military or space equipment and related technology.
It is considered "militarily critical" because unauthorized access could pose a threat to our national security. For that reason, it is strictly controlled in Canada and the U.S.
How militarily unclassified military data is controlled
In Canada and the U.S., unclassified military technical data is controlled by the:
- Technical data control regulations of the Department of National Defence (DND) in Canada
- Directive 5230.25 of the United States Department of Defense (PDF)
Under these regulations:
- both countries can withhold unclassified military technical data from public use
- private contractors must be certified by the Joint Certification Program (JCP) to access this data
Apply for contractor certification in the Joint Certification Program
Use of unclassified military technical data
The DND in Canada, the U.S. Department of Defense and other government departments in either country use this data to produce military or space equipment and related technology.
Private contractors use this data to bid and work on unclassified defence opportunities in either country.
Universities use this data to conduct scientific research for defence departments in either country.
About the Joint Certification Program
The Joint Certification Program certifies contractors in Canada and the U.S. who require access to unclassified military technical data.
The JCP helps to protect this data and related technology from common adversaries while allowing it to flow to certified Canadian and American companies with a legitimate need to access the data. It also ensures that effective controls and enforcement mechanisms are in place in each country to protect technical data.
The JCP is managed by the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office, which is located in Battle Creek, Michigan.