A Technology Control Plan (TCP) is required to safeguard and control access to items (e.g., data, information, material, software, or technology) that are export controlled. Access to export controlled items by foreign nationals may be prohibited by federal regulations. A TCP may also be drafted for any sponsored research project that does not qualify as fundamental research or otherwise requires limitations on access by foreign nationals because these projects can quickly put your research at risk of non-compliance with export controls and other critical contract obligations.

TCPs include:

• A physical and information security plan.
• Personnel screening procedures.
• A process for carrying out the research in a controlled environment.

TCPs are reviewed and signed by the PI and all members of the research team prior to the beginning of the project. Additionally, the business manager, department chair, and IT support will be required to sign the TCP.

To assist the Export & Trade team and Research Security in helping you develop a TCP, please complete the TCP Security Questionnaire.

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) - Master TCP

All GTRI Employees are required to sign and follow the GTRI Master Technology Control Plan. Go to this link for a copy of the plan and a place to sign. Every GTRI employee should have completed this at orientation or when they received a security clearance briefing. If you may have contact with foreign nationals or travel for business abroad, refer to your Master TCP frequently and avoid security/export issues.

Training and Exclusions

All individuals working on a project with a TCP must complete export training before beginning work or being charged to the project. Training sessions are offered monthly but fill quickly, so sign up as soon as possible. Annual refresher training will be required throughout the life of a project.

Foreign nationals may not work on a project outside the fundamental research exemption without approval from the Office of the General Counsel - Export and Trade Compliance. This may require an export license from the federal government, which requires significant lead time. An export license may take three to six months to receive. Also, students (including U.S. citizens) may not work on any project that is ineligible for the fundamental research exemption for a thesis or dissertation without approval of the Office of the General Counsel - Export and Trade Compliance.