The Minimum Elements For a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)

The Executive Order (14028) on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity directs the Department of Commerce, in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to publish the “minimum elements” for a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). An SBOM is a formal record containing the details and supply chain relationships of various components used in building software. In addition to establishing these minimum elements, this report defines the scope of how to think about minimum elements, describes SBOM use cases for greater transparency in the software supply chain, and lays out options for future evolution. An SBOM provides those who produce, purchase, and operate software with information that enhances their understanding of the supply chain, which enables multiple benefits, most notably the potential to track known and newly emerged vulnerabilities and risks. SBOM will not solve all software security problems, but will form a foundational data layer on which further security tools, practices, and assurances can be built. The minimum elements as defined in this document are the essential pieces that support basic SBOM functionality and will serve as the foundation for an evolving approach to software transparency. These minimum elements comprise three broad, interrelated areas.