Can gov't K require KTR to put KTR logo/copyright notice on a white paper published to the public?

[govt2310]

Say there is a contract with a KTR for research paper services. The gov't program office wishes to make the KTR publish its research paper to the general public under the KTR's name, not the gov't agency's name. The gov't program office folks want the KTR to put the KTR's name, logo, copyright notice on the research paper and not the gov't agency's name.

I believe this is a violation of FAR 27.404-3(a) (see also FAR 27.404-4). First, the gov't program office has not yet provided its rationale for why it wants to do this. I am awaiting their response.

No matter the reason why they want to do this, I believe this is a violation of FAR 27.404-3(a) (see also FAR 27.404-4). Also, the contract's SOW does not address this/require this of the KTR. I suspect that what is really going on is that the KTR is the one pushing for permission to publish the paper with its own copyright/logo, but I am not sure yet.

Even in the case where a KTR is allowed to assert copyright on a research paper that was produced with fed gov't funds under a fed gov't contract, FAR 52.227-14©(1) sets forth specific rules of how a KTR asserting copyright must acknowledge Gov't Sponsorship, including the Gov't Contract Number, on all copies of the paper published to the public.

Has anyone come across this issue before? Your helpful insights are appreciated.