[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR17.403] [Page 338] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 17_SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS--Table of Contents Subpart 17.4_Leader Company Contracting Sec. 17.403 Procedures. (a) The contracting officer may award a prime contract to a-- (1) Leader company, obligating it to subcontract a designated portion of the required end items to a specified follower company and to assist it to produce the required end items; (2) Leader company, for the required assistance to a follower company, and a prime contract to the follower for production of the items; or (3) Follower company, obligating it to subcontract with a designated leader company for the required assistance. (b) The contracting officer shall ensure that any contract awarded under this arrangement contains a firm agreement regarding disclosure, if any, of contractor trade secrets, technical designs or concepts, and specific data, or software, of a proprietary nature.