diff --git a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ActorContext.java b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ActorContext.java
index 5a52de5b7..4f0638203 100644
--- a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ActorContext.java
+++ b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ActorContext.java
@@ -115,10 +115,36 @@ public boolean actorExists(final ActorId actorId) {
 		return simulation.actorExists(actorId);
 	}
 
+	/**
+	 * Returns the data manager instance matching the class reference.
+	 * 
+	 * 
+	 * @throws ContractException
+	 * 
+	 *                           <ul>
+	 *                           <li>{@linkplain NucleusError#NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS}
+	 *                           if the class reference is null</li>
+	 *                           <li>{@linkplain NucleusError#AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS}
+	 *                           if there is more than one data manager instance
+	 *                           matching the class reference</li>
+	 *                           <li>{@linkplain NucleusError#UNKNOWN_DATA_MANAGER}
+	 *                           if there are no data manager instances matching the
+	 *                           class reference</li>
+	 *                           </ul>
+	 * 
+	 */
 	public <T extends DataManager> T getDataManager(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
 		return simulation.getDataManagerForActor(dataManagerClass);
 	}
 
+	/**
+	 * Returns true if and only if there is exactly one data manager instance
+	 * matching the given class reference. Null tolerant.
+	 */
+	public <T extends DataManager> boolean dataManagerExists(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
+		return simulation.dataManagerExists(dataManagerClass);
+	}
+
 	public double getTime() {
 		return simulation.time;
 	}
diff --git a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/DataManagerContext.java b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/DataManagerContext.java
index f36786af8..07af91f0b 100644
--- a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/DataManagerContext.java
+++ b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/DataManagerContext.java
@@ -110,10 +110,10 @@ public void releaseObservationEvent(final Event event) {
 	}
 
 	/**
-	 * Broadcasts the given event to a single actor. This is used
-	 * for OBSERVATION events that are generated by the data managers. MUTATION
-	 * events that are generated by the data managers as a proxy for actors and data
-	 * managers should use releaseMutationEvent() instead.
+	 * Broadcasts the given event to a single actor. This is used for OBSERVATION
+	 * events that are generated by the data managers. MUTATION events that are
+	 * generated by the data managers as a proxy for actors and data managers should
+	 * use releaseMutationEvent() instead.
 	 * 
 	 * @throws ContractException
 	 *                           <ul>
@@ -198,10 +198,49 @@ public boolean actorExists(final ActorId actorId) {
 		return simulation.actorExists(actorId);
 	}
 
+	/**
+	 * Returns the data manager instance matching the class reference.
+	 * 
+	 * 
+	 * @throws ContractException
+	 * 
+	 *                           <ul>
+	 *                           <li>{@linkplain NucleusError#NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS}
+	 *                           if the class reference is null</li>
+	 *                           <li>{@linkplain NucleusError#AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS}
+	 *                           if there is more than one data manager instance
+	 *                           matching the class reference</li>
+	 *                           <li>{@linkplain NucleusError#UNKNOWN_DATA_MANAGER}
+	 *                           if there are no data manager instances matching the
+	 *                           class reference</li>
+	 *                           <li>{@linkplain NucleusError#DATA_MANAGER_ACCESS_VIOLATION}
+	 *                           if the invoking data manager does not have access
+	 *                           to the instance associated with the class
+	 *                           reference. This happens where there is not a plugin
+	 *                           dependency chain from the requestor to the
+	 *                           requested if they are contained in different
+	 *                           plugins. Within a plugin, access is granted for
+	 *                           data manager types that were added by their plugin
+	 *                           before the invoking instance.<i>
+	 * 
+	 * 
+	 * 
+	 *                           </ul>
+	 * 
+	 */
 	public <T extends DataManager> T getDataManager(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
 		return simulation.getDataManagerForDataManager(dataManagerId, dataManagerClass);
 	}
 
+	/**
+	 * Returns true if and only if there is exactly one data manager instance
+	 * matching the given class reference that is available to the data manager that
+	 * is requesting the instance. Null tolerant.
+	 */
+	public <T extends DataManager> boolean dataManagerExists(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
+		return simulation.dataManagerExistsForDataManager(dataManagerId, dataManagerClass);
+	}
+
 	public double getTime() {
 		return simulation.time;
 	}
diff --git a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ReportContext.java b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ReportContext.java
index c21c533c4..722285d02 100644
--- a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ReportContext.java
+++ b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/ReportContext.java
@@ -33,8 +33,8 @@ protected ReportContext(Simulation simulation) {
 	 * 
 	 * @throws ContractException
 	 *                           <ul>
-	 *                           <li>{@link NucleusError#NULL_PLAN_CONSUMER} if the consumer is
-	 *                           null</li>
+	 *                           <li>{@link NucleusError#NULL_PLAN_CONSUMER} if the
+	 *                           consumer is null</li>
 	 *                           <li>{@link NucleusError#PAST_PLANNING_TIME} if the
 	 *                           plan is scheduled for a time in the past *</li>
 	 *                           <li>{@link NucleusError#PLANNING_QUEUE_CLOSED} if
@@ -146,6 +146,14 @@ public <T extends DataManager> T getDataManager(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
 		return simulation.getDataManagerForActor(dataManagerClass);
 	}
 
+	/**
+	 * Returns true if and only if there is exactly one data manager instance
+	 * matching the given class reference. Null tolerant.
+	 */
+	public <T extends DataManager> boolean dataManagerExists(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
+		return simulation.dataManagerExists(dataManagerClass);
+	}
+
 	public double getTime() {
 		return simulation.time;
 	}
diff --git a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/Simulation.java b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/Simulation.java
index 5095719f3..17ef042c5 100644
--- a/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/Simulation.java
+++ b/simulation/src/main/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/Simulation.java
@@ -1275,6 +1275,40 @@ protected void removeActor(final ActorId actorId) {
 		containsDeletedActors = true;
 	}
 
+	protected <T extends DataManager> boolean dataManagerExists(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
+		boolean result = false;
+		if (dataManagerClass != null) {
+
+			DataManager dataManager = workingClassToDataManagerMap.get(dataManagerClass);
+			/*
+			 * If the working map does not contain the data manager, try to find a single
+			 * match from the base map that was collected from the plugins.
+			 * 
+			 * If two or more matches are found, then throw an exception.
+			 * 
+			 * If exactly one match is found, update the working map.
+			 * 
+			 * If no matches are found, nothing is done, but we are vulnerable to somewhat
+			 * slower performance if the data manager is sought repeatedly.
+			 */
+			if (dataManager == null) {
+				List<Class<?>> candidates = new ArrayList<>();
+				for (Class<?> c : baseClassToDataManagerMap.keySet()) {
+					if (dataManagerClass.isAssignableFrom(c)) {
+						candidates.add(c);
+					}
+				}
+
+				if (candidates.size() == 1) {
+					dataManager = baseClassToDataManagerMap.get(candidates.get(0));
+					workingClassToDataManagerMap.put(dataManagerClass, dataManager);
+				}
+			}
+			result = dataManager != null;
+		}
+		return result;
+	}
+
 	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
 	protected <T extends DataManager> T getDataManagerForActor(Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
 
@@ -1315,6 +1349,58 @@ protected <T extends DataManager> T getDataManagerForActor(Class<T> dataManagerC
 		}
 		return (T) dataManager;
 	}
+	
+	
+	protected <T extends DataManager> boolean dataManagerExistsForDataManager(DataManagerId dataManagerId,
+			Class<T> dataManagerClass) {
+
+		if (dataManagerClass == null) {
+			return false;
+		}
+
+		DataManager dataManager = workingClassToDataManagerMap.get(dataManagerClass);
+		/*
+		 * If the working map does not contain the data manager, try to find a single
+		 * match from the base map that was collected from the plugins.
+		 * 
+		 * If two or more matches are found, then throw an exception.
+		 * 
+		 * If exactly one match is found, update the working map.
+		 * 
+		 * If no matches are found, nothing is done, but we are vulnerable to somewhat
+		 * slower performance if the data manager is sought repeatedly.
+		 */
+		if (dataManager == null) {
+			List<Class<?>> candidates = new ArrayList<>();
+			for (Class<?> c : baseClassToDataManagerMap.keySet()) {
+				if (dataManagerClass.isAssignableFrom(c)) {
+					candidates.add(c);
+				}
+			}
+			if (candidates.size() > 1) {
+				return false;
+			}
+			if (candidates.size() == 1) {
+				dataManager = baseClassToDataManagerMap.get(candidates.get(0));
+				workingClassToDataManagerMap.put(dataManagerClass, dataManager);
+			}
+		}
+
+		if (dataManager == null) {
+			return false;
+		}
+
+		int requestorId = dataManagerId.getValue();
+		DataManagerId dataManagerId2 = dataManagerToDataManagerIdMap.get(dataManager);
+		int requesteeId = dataManagerId2.getValue();
+
+		boolean accessGranted = dataManagerAccessPermissions[requestorId][requesteeId];
+
+		if (!accessGranted) {
+			return false;
+		}
+		return true;
+	}
 
 	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
 	protected <T extends DataManager> T getDataManagerForDataManager(DataManagerId dataManagerId,
@@ -1492,10 +1578,10 @@ protected boolean subscribersExistForEvent(Class<? extends Event> eventClass) {
 	}
 
 	/*
-	 * Recursively processes the event through the filter node to the given actor. Events should be
-	 * processed through the root filter node. Each node's consumers have each such
-	 * consumer scheduled onto the actor queue for delayed execution of the
-	 * consumer.
+	 * Recursively processes the event through the filter node to the given actor.
+	 * Events should be processed through the root filter node. Each node's
+	 * consumers have each such consumer scheduled onto the actor queue for delayed
+	 * execution of the consumer.
 	 */
 	private void broadcastEventToFilterNodeAndActor(final Event event, FilterNode filterNode, ActorId actorId) {
 		// determine the value of the function for the given event
diff --git a/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ActorContext.java b/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ActorContext.java
index acba88e96..0eda0d89f 100644
--- a/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ActorContext.java
+++ b/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ActorContext.java
@@ -58,6 +58,10 @@ private static class TestDataManager4A extends TestDataManager4 {
 
 	}
 
+	private static class TestDataManager4B extends TestDataManager4 {
+
+	}
+
 	private static class DataChangeEvent implements Event {
 		private final DatumType datumType;
 		private final int value;
@@ -219,13 +223,13 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 
 		// show that the last two passive plans did not execute
 		assertTrue(planExecuted.getValue());
-		 
+
 		// precondition test: if the consumer is null
 		ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
 			Simulation.builder()//
 					.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
 							TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-								c.addPlan(null,0);
+								c.addPlan(null, 0);
 							})).build()))//
 					.build()//
 					.execute();//
@@ -235,12 +239,13 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 		// precondition test: if the plan is scheduled for a time in the past
 		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
 			Simulation.builder()//
-			.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
-					TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-						c.addPlan((c2)->{},-10);
-					})).build()))//
-			.build()//
-			.execute();//
+					.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
+							TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
+								c.addPlan((c2) -> {
+								}, -10);
+							})).build()))//
+					.build()//
+					.execute();//
 		});
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PAST_PLANNING_TIME, contractException.getErrorType());
 
@@ -248,19 +253,19 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 		// processing is finished
 		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
 			Simulation.builder()//
-			.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
-					TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-						c.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2)->{
-							c2.addPlan((c3)->{},0);	
-						});
-						
-					})).build()))//
-			.build()//
-			.execute();//
+					.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
+							TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
+								c.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2) -> {
+									c2.addPlan((c3) -> {
+									}, 0);
+								});
+
+							})).build()))//
+					.build()//
+					.execute();//
 		});
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PLANNING_QUEUE_CLOSED, contractException.getErrorType());
 
-		
 	}
 
 	@Test
@@ -313,12 +318,13 @@ public void testAddPlan_Plan() {
 		// precondition test: if the plan is scheduled for a time in the past
 		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
 			Simulation.builder()//
-			.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
-					TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-						c.addPlan(new ConsumerActorPlan(-10, (c3)->{}));
-					})).build()))//
-			.build()//
-			.execute();//
+					.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
+							TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
+								c.addPlan(new ConsumerActorPlan(-10, (c3) -> {
+								}));
+							})).build()))//
+					.build()//
+					.execute();//
 		});
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PAST_PLANNING_TIME, contractException.getErrorType());
 
@@ -326,19 +332,19 @@ public void testAddPlan_Plan() {
 		// processing is finished
 		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
 			Simulation.builder()//
-			.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
-					TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-						c.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2)->{
-							c2.addPlan(new ConsumerActorPlan(0, (c3)->{}));	
-						});
-						
-					})).build()))//
-			.build()//
-			.execute();//
+					.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(
+							TestPluginData.builder().addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
+								c.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2) -> {
+									c2.addPlan(new ConsumerActorPlan(0, (c3) -> {
+									}));
+								});
+
+							})).build()))//
+					.build()//
+					.execute();//
 		});
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PLANNING_QUEUE_CLOSED, contractException.getErrorType());
 
-
 	}
 
 	@Test
@@ -386,11 +392,12 @@ public void testGetActorId() {
 		// show that the number of actor ids matches the number of actor aliases
 		assertEquals(3, observedActorIds.size());
 	}
-
-	@Test
-	@UnitTestMethod(target = ActorContext.class, name = "getDataManager", args = { Class.class })
-	public void testGetDataManager() {
-
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	private void executeGetDataManagerTest(Consumer<ActorContext> consumer) {
+		
 		// create the test plugin data builder
 		TestPluginData.Builder pluginDataBuilder = TestPluginData.builder();
 
@@ -401,48 +408,90 @@ public void testGetDataManager() {
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3B", () -> new TestDataManager3B());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm4A", () -> new TestDataManager4A());
 
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class);
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class);
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3B.class);
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4A.class);
-		}));
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0,  consumer));
 
 		// build the action plugin
 		TestPluginData testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
 		Plugin testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
 
 		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
+	}
+
+	@Test
+	@UnitTestMethod(target = ActorContext.class, name = "getDataManager", args = { Class.class })
+	public void testGetDataManager() {
+
+		//postcondition test: 
+		executeGetDataManagerTest((c)->{
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class));			 
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4A.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4.class));
+		});
+
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is null
+		ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, ()->{
+			executeGetDataManagerTest((c)->{
+				c.getDataManager(null);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+		
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is null
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, ()->{
+			executeGetDataManagerTest((c)->{
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+		
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is unknown
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, ()->{
+			executeGetDataManagerTest((c)->{
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4B.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.UNKNOWN_DATA_MANAGER, contractException.getErrorType());
+	}
 
-		// Precondition test 1
+	@Test
+	@UnitTestMethod(target = ActorContext.class, name = "dataManagerExists", args = { Class.class })
+	public void testDataManagerExists() {
+
+		// create the test plugin data builder
+		TestPluginData.Builder pluginDataBuilder = TestPluginData.builder();
+
+		// create a data manager for the actor to find
+
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm1", () -> new TestDataManager1());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3A", () -> new TestDataManager3A());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3B", () -> new TestDataManager3B());
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm4A", () -> new TestDataManager4A());
 
-		// show that ambiguous class matching throws an exception
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-			ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class,
-					() -> c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3.class));
-			assertEquals(NucleusError.AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
-		}));
+			// show that the explicit class references return true
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4A.class));
 
-		// build the action plugin
-		testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
-		testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
+			// show that zero class matching returns false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4B.class));
 
-		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
+			// show that ambiguous class matching returns false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3.class));
+
+			// show that a null yields a false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(null));
 
-		// Precondition test 2
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-			ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> c.getDataManager(null));
-			assertEquals(NucleusError.NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
 		}));
 
 		// build the action plugin
-		testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
-		testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
+		TestPluginData testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
+		Plugin testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
 
 		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
-
 	}
 
 	@Test
diff --git a/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_DataManagerContext.java b/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_DataManagerContext.java
index 1f6c824f4..de788dfb7 100644
--- a/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_DataManagerContext.java
+++ b/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_DataManagerContext.java
@@ -151,73 +151,207 @@ public void testSubscribeToSimulationClose() {
 
 	}
 
-	@Test
-	@UnitTestMethod(target = DataManagerContext.class, name = "getDataManager", args = { Class.class })
-	public void testGetDataManager() {
-
+	private void executeGetDataManagerTest(String dmName, Consumer<DataManagerContext> consumer) {
+		PluginId pluginId0 = new SimplePluginId("local plugin 0");
+		PluginId pluginId5 = new SimplePluginId("local plugin 5");
 		// create the test plugin data builder
 		TestPluginData.Builder pluginDataBuilder = TestPluginData.builder();
 
 		// create a data manager for the actor to find
 
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm1", () -> new TestDataManager1());
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm2", () -> new TestDataManager2());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3A", () -> new TestDataManager3A());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3B", () -> new TestDataManager3B());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm4A", () -> new TestDataManager4A());
 
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(0, (c) -> {
-			TestDataManager1 testDataManager1 = c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class);
-			assertNotNull(testDataManager1);
-
-			TestDataManager3A testDataManager3A = c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class);
-			assertNotNull(testDataManager3A);
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan(dmName, new TestDataManagerPlan(0, consumer));
 
-			TestDataManager3B testDataManager3B = c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3B.class);
-			assertNotNull(testDataManager3B);
-
-			TestDataManager4A testDataManager4A = c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4A.class);
-			assertNotNull(testDataManager4A);
-
-		}));
+		pluginDataBuilder.addPluginDependency(pluginId0);
 
 		// build the action plugin
 		TestPluginData testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
 
 		Plugin testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
 
-		// execute the engine
-		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
+		Plugin localPlugin0 = Plugin.builder()//
+				.setPluginId(pluginId0)//
+				.setInitializer((c) -> c.addDataManager(new TestDataManager0()))//
+				.build();
+		Plugin localPlugin5 = Plugin.builder()//
+				.setPluginId(pluginId5)//
+				.setInitializer((c) -> c.addDataManager(new TestDataManager5()))//
+				.build();
+
+		TestSimulation.builder()//
+				.addPlugin(localPlugin0)//
+				.addPlugin(localPlugin5)//
+				.addPlugin(testPlugin).build()//
+				.execute();//
+	}
+
+	@Test
+	@UnitTestMethod(target = DataManagerContext.class, name = "getDataManager", args = { Class.class })
+	public void testGetDataManager() {
+		/*
+		 * postcondition test: we demonstrate for all of the test data managers in the
+		 * test plugin that they can retrieve the instances that are allowed by the
+		 * access rules. Note that TestDataManager0 and TestDataManager5 are defined by
+		 * local plugins and only TestDataManager0 is accessible by the remaining data
+		 * managers since the test plugin has a plugin dependency on the local plugin
+		 * containing the instance of TestDataManager0, but does not have a plugin
+		 * dependency on the plugin containing the instance of TestDataManager5.
+		 */
+		executeGetDataManagerTest("dm4A", (c) -> {
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager0.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager2.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3B.class));
+		});
+
+		executeGetDataManagerTest("dm3B", (c) -> {
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager0.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager2.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class));
+		});
 
-		// Precondition test 1
+		executeGetDataManagerTest("dm3A", (c) -> {
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager0.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager2.class));
+		});
+
+		executeGetDataManagerTest("dm2", (c) -> {
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager0.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class));
+		});
+
+		executeGetDataManagerTest("dm1", (c) -> {
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager0.class));
+		});
+
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is null
+		ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest("dm1", (c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(null);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is null
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest("dm1", (c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is unknown
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest("dm1", (c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4B.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.UNKNOWN_DATA_MANAGER, contractException.getErrorType());
 
+		// precondition test: if the requestor does not have access due to order within
+		// the plugin
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest("dm1", (c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager2.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.DATA_MANAGER_ACCESS_VIOLATION, contractException.getErrorType());
+
+		// precondition test: if the requestor does not have access due to having no
+		// plugin dependency path
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest("dm1", (c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager5.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.DATA_MANAGER_ACCESS_VIOLATION, contractException.getErrorType());
+
+	}
+
+	@Test
+	@UnitTestMethod(target = DataManagerContext.class, name = "dataManagerExists", args = { Class.class })
+	public void testDataManagerExists() {
+
+		// create the test plugin data builder
+		TestPluginData.Builder pluginDataBuilder = TestPluginData.builder();
+
+		// create a data manager for the actor to find
+
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm1", () -> new TestDataManager1());
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm2", () -> new TestDataManager2());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3A", () -> new TestDataManager3A());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3B", () -> new TestDataManager3B());
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm4A", () -> new TestDataManager4A());
 
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm3A", new TestDataManagerPlan(4, (c) -> {
-			ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class,
-					() -> c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3.class));
-			assertEquals(NucleusError.AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+		// show the various ways bad class references return false
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm1", new TestDataManagerPlan(1, (c) -> {
+			// show that zero class matching returns false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4B.class));
+
+			// show that ambiguous class matching returns false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3.class));
+
+			// show that a null yields a false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(null));
 		}));
 
-		// build the action plugin
-		testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
-		testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
+		// show ordering restrictions are enforced
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm1", new TestDataManagerPlan(1, (c) -> {
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager2.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4A.class));
+		}));
 
-		// execute the engine
-		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
+		// show ordering restrictions are enforced
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm2", new TestDataManagerPlan(1, (c) -> {
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager2.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4A.class));
+		}));
 
-		// Precondition test 2
+		// show ordering restrictions are enforced
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm3A", new TestDataManagerPlan(1, (c) -> {
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager2.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4A.class));
+		}));
 
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3B", () -> new TestDataManager3B());
+		// show ordering restrictions are enforced
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm3B", new TestDataManagerPlan(1, (c) -> {
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager2.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4A.class));
+		}));
 
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm3B", new TestDataManagerPlan(4, (c) -> {
-			ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> c.getDataManager(null));
-			assertEquals(NucleusError.NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+		// show ordering restrictions are enforced
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm4A", new TestDataManagerPlan(1, (c) -> {
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager2.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertTrue(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4A.class));
 		}));
 
 		// build the action plugin
-		testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
-		testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
+		TestPluginData testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
+
+		Plugin testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
 
 		// execute the engine
 		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
@@ -233,7 +367,6 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 		// test preconditions
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm", () -> new TestDataManager1());
 
-
 		/*
 		 * Have the actor add a plan and show that that plan executes
 		 */
@@ -268,7 +401,7 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 					.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(TestPluginData.builder()//
 							.addTestDataManager("dm", () -> new TestDataManager1())
 							.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm", new TestDataManagerPlan(0, (c) -> {
-								c.addPlan(null,0);
+								c.addPlan(null, 0);
 							})).build()))//
 					.build()//
 					.execute();//
@@ -281,7 +414,8 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 					.addPlugin(TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(TestPluginData.builder()//
 							.addTestDataManager("dm", () -> new TestDataManager1())
 							.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm", new TestDataManagerPlan(0, (c) -> {
-								c.addPlan((c2) -> {},-10);
+								c.addPlan((c2) -> {
+								}, -10);
 							})).build()))//
 					.build()//
 					.execute();//
@@ -296,7 +430,8 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 							.addTestDataManager("dm", () -> new TestDataManager1())
 							.addTestDataManagerPlan("dm", new TestDataManagerPlan(0, (c) -> {
 								c.subscribeToSimulationClose(c2 -> {
-									c2.addPlan((c3) -> {},0);
+									c2.addPlan((c3) -> {
+									}, 0);
 								});
 							})).build()))//
 					.build()//
@@ -304,7 +439,6 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 		});
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PLANNING_QUEUE_CLOSED, contractException.getErrorType());
 
-		
 	}
 
 	@Test
@@ -557,6 +691,10 @@ private static class TestEvent1 implements Event {
 
 	}
 
+	private static class TestDataManager0 extends DataManager {
+
+	}
+
 	private static class TestDataManager1 extends TestDataManager {
 	}
 
@@ -583,6 +721,14 @@ private static class TestDataManager4A extends TestDataManager4 {
 
 	}
 
+	private static class TestDataManager4B extends TestDataManager4 {
+
+	}
+
+	private static class TestDataManager5 extends DataManager {
+
+	}
+
 	@Test
 	@UnitTestMethod(target = DataManagerContext.class, name = "actorExists", args = { ActorId.class })
 	public void testActorExists() {
diff --git a/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ReportContext.java b/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ReportContext.java
index 6551a2ae2..ff511fd34 100644
--- a/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ReportContext.java
+++ b/simulation/src/test/java/gov/hhs/aspr/ms/gcm/simulation/nucleus/AT_ReportContext.java
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package gov.hhs.aspr.ms.gcm.simulation.nucleus;
 
 import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertEquals;
+import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertFalse;
 import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertNotNull;
 import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertThrows;
 import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.assertTrue;
@@ -56,6 +57,10 @@ private static class TestDataManager4A extends TestDataManager4 {
 
 	}
 
+	private static class TestDataManager4B extends TestDataManager4 {
+
+	}
+
 	/*
 	 * Executes the simulation by adding TestReport that executes the give consumer
 	 * in a task planned at time zero. Also adds a TestActor with a task scheduled
@@ -143,18 +148,18 @@ public void testAddPlan_Consumer() {
 		}));
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PAST_PLANNING_TIME, contractException.getErrorType());
 
-		// precondition test : if the plan is added to the simulation after event processing is finished
+		// precondition test : if the plan is added to the simulation after event
+		// processing is finished
 		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> testConsumer((c) -> {
 			c.addPlan(new ConsumerReportPlan(0, (c1) -> {
-				c1.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2->{					
-					c2.addPlan(c3->{},0);
+				c1.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2 -> {
+					c2.addPlan(c3 -> {
+					}, 0);
 				}));
 			}));
 		}));
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PLANNING_QUEUE_CLOSED, contractException.getErrorType());
 
-		
-
 	}
 
 	@Test
@@ -215,7 +220,6 @@ public void testAddPlan_Plan() {
 		// show that the last two passive plans did not execute
 		assertEquals(expectedOutput, actualOuput);
 
-
 		ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> testConsumer((c) -> {
 			c.addPlan(null);
 		}));
@@ -235,38 +239,33 @@ public void testAddPlan_Plan() {
 		}));
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.INVALID_PLAN_ARRIVAL_ID, contractException.getErrorType());
 
-		// precondition test : if the plan is added to the simulation after event processing is finished
+		// precondition test : if the plan is added to the simulation after event
+		// processing is finished
 		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> testConsumer((c) -> {
 			c.addPlan(new ConsumerReportPlan(0, (c1) -> {
-				c1.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2->{					
-					c2.addPlan(new ConsumerReportPlan(0,(c3->{})));
+				c1.subscribeToSimulationClose((c2 -> {
+					c2.addPlan(new ConsumerReportPlan(0, (c3 -> {
+					})));
 				}));
 			}));
 		}));
 		assertEquals(NucleusError.PLANNING_QUEUE_CLOSED, contractException.getErrorType());
 	}
 
-	@Test
-	@UnitTestMethod(target = ReportContext.class, name = "getDataManager", args = { Class.class })
-	public void testGetDataManager() {
+	private void executeGetDataManagerTest(Consumer<ReportContext> consumer) {
+
 		// create the test plugin data builder
 		TestPluginData.Builder pluginDataBuilder = TestPluginData.builder();
 
-		// create a data manager for the report to find
+		// create a data manager for the actor to find
 
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm1", () -> new TestDataManager1());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3A", () -> new TestDataManager3A());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3B", () -> new TestDataManager3B());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm4A", () -> new TestDataManager4A());
 
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestReportPlan("report", new TestReportPlan(0, (c) -> {
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class);
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class);
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3B.class);
-			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4A.class);
-		}));
-
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(Double.POSITIVE_INFINITY, (c) -> {
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestReportPlan("report", new TestReportPlan(0, consumer));
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(1, (c) -> {
 		}));
 
 		// build the action plugin
@@ -274,39 +273,86 @@ public void testGetDataManager() {
 		Plugin testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
 
 		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
+	}
+
+	@Test
+	@UnitTestMethod(target = ReportContext.class, name = "getDataManager", args = { Class.class })
+	public void testGetDataManager() {
+		// postcondition test:
+		executeGetDataManagerTest((c) -> {
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3B.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4A.class));
+			assertNotNull(c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4.class));
+		});
+
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is null
+		ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest((c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(null);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is null
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest((c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
+
+		// precondition test: if the class reference is unknown
+		contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> {
+			executeGetDataManagerTest((c) -> {
+				c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4B.class);
+			});
+		});
+		assertEquals(NucleusError.UNKNOWN_DATA_MANAGER, contractException.getErrorType());
+
+	}
 
-		// precondition test : if the class reference is ambiguous
+	@Test
+	@UnitTestMethod(target = ReportContext.class, name = "dataManagerExists", args = { Class.class })
+	public void testDataManagerExists() {
+		// create the test plugin data builder
+		TestPluginData.Builder pluginDataBuilder = TestPluginData.builder();
+
+		// create a data manager for the report to find
+
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm1", () -> new TestDataManager1());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3A", () -> new TestDataManager3A());
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm3B", () -> new TestDataManager3B());
+		pluginDataBuilder.addTestDataManager("dm4A", () -> new TestDataManager4A());
 
-		// show that ambiguous class matching throws an exception
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestReportPlan("report", new TestReportPlan(0, (c) -> {
-			ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class,
-					() -> c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3.class));
-			assertEquals(NucleusError.AMBIGUOUS_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
-		}));
+			// show that the explicit class references return true
+			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager1.class);
+			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3A.class);
+			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager3B.class);
+			c.getDataManager(TestDataManager4A.class);
 
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(Double.POSITIVE_INFINITY, (c) -> {
-		}));
+			// show that zero class matching returns false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager4B.class));
 
-		// build the action plugin
-		testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
-		testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
+			// show that ambiguous class matching returns false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(TestDataManager3.class));
 
-		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
+			// show that a null yields a false
+			assertFalse(c.dataManagerExists(null));
 
-		// Precondition test 2
-		pluginDataBuilder.addTestReportPlan("report", new TestReportPlan(0, (c) -> {
-			ContractException contractException = assertThrows(ContractException.class, () -> c.getDataManager(null));
-			assertEquals(NucleusError.NULL_DATA_MANAGER_CLASS, contractException.getErrorType());
 		}));
+
 		pluginDataBuilder.addTestActorPlan("actor", new TestActorPlan(Double.POSITIVE_INFINITY, (c) -> {
 		}));
+
 		// build the action plugin
-		testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
-		testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
+		TestPluginData testPluginData = pluginDataBuilder.build();
+		Plugin testPlugin = TestPlugin.getTestPlugin(testPluginData);
 
 		TestSimulation.builder().addPlugin(testPlugin).build().execute();
+
 	}
 
 	@Test