Overview
This section establishes the foundational terminology for the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), defining the scope of programs and legal authorities used to prioritize federal contracts for national defense and emergency preparedness.
Key Rules
- Approved Programs: Programs must be specifically designated by the Secretary of Defense, Energy, or Homeland Security under authorities like the Defense Production Act or the Stafford Act to receive priority support.
- Delegate Agencies: Only agencies authorized by the Department of Commerce have the legal power to assign priority ratings to contracts.
- Broad Scope of National Defense: The definition extends beyond military production to include energy, space, foreign military assistance, critical infrastructure protection, and disaster emergency preparedness.
- Rated Orders: These are legal instruments (contracts or purchase orders) issued under 15 CFR part 700 that require preferential treatment over unrated orders.
Practical Implications
- Contractors must be able to identify "Rated Orders" to ensure they provide preferential scheduling and resource allocation to these contracts over commercial work.
- The inclusion of the Stafford Act means DPAS priority ratings can be applied to domestic emergency response and disaster recovery efforts, not just traditional military procurement.