Primary definition
A software and/or hardware product that is commercially ready-made and available for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Source: NSA/CSS Policy 3-14
Also known asCOTS · off-the-shelf · OTS · commercial off the shelf · commercial OTS
3 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
A software and/or hardware product that is commercially ready-made and available for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Source: NSA/CSS Policy 3-14
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Commercial Off The Shelf (cots). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/commercial-off-the-shelf-cots
Sources
3 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
High consensus
02
America's Voting Machines at Risk
America's Voting Machines at Risk
Multi-source
03
EAC Glossary of Terms
EAC Glossary of Terms
Multi-source
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