By enabling a contractual path to supporting FOSS projects/foundations with real funding, the DoD becomes a valid (authorized) player to support the community.

By enabling a contractual path to supporting FOSS projects/foundations with real funding, the DoD becomes a valid (authorized) player to support the community. Additionally, the memo enables (and encourages) DoD personnel to contribute to open source software as part of their job's responsibilities. This brings thousands of developers into the OSS community who otherwise may not have engaged/may not have been allowed to engage. > (1) Government employees may contribute to existing OSS projects (including being the primary maintainer) as part of their official duties, so long as they consult with their supervisor first to ensure a common-sense approach for contributions that preserve Operations Security (OPSEC) and further the Government's interests.