Overview
This section introduces the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), which is designed to ensure the timely availability of industrial resources for projects vital to national defense and emergency preparedness. It serves as a regulatory framework to prioritize government contracts over commercial orders during national emergencies.
Key Rules
- DPAS Authority: The system supports three primary areas: national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs.
- Industrial Mobilization: A core objective of this section is to facilitate rapid industrial mobilization in response to national emergencies.
- Regulatory Reference: Detailed implementation procedures, including rating levels (DO and DX), are governed by FAR Subpart 11.6.
Practical Implications
- Preferential Treatment: Contractors receiving a DPAS-rated order must prioritize it over non-rated commercial or lower-priority government orders to meet required delivery dates.
- Compliance Risk: Government contractors must understand their obligations under DPAS, as failure to comply can lead to legal penalties or negative performance evaluations.