Overview
This section defines the policies and procedures for the testing, qualification, and utilization of industrial resources developed via financial assistance under Title III of the Defense Production Act. Its primary purpose is to ensure that production capacities expanded for national defense are effectively integrated into federal acquisition processes.
Key Rules
- Applicability: Applies specifically to industrial resources manufactured or developed using assistance from sections 301, 302, or 303 of the Defense Production Act (50 U.S.C. App. 2091-2093).
- Regulatory Scope: Governs the testing and qualification standards required before these specialized resources can be used in government contracts.
- Statutory Intent: Implements the mandates of Title III, which authorizes government incentives (such as loans or purchase commitments) to secure the supply of materials essential to national security.
Practical Implications
- Supply Chain Prioritization: Contracting officers must follow these specific procedures when dealing with "Title III" vendors to ensure that the domestic industrial base supported by government investment is prioritized and technically validated.
- Qualification Requirements: Contractors using DPA-funded resources may face unique testing and qualification hurdles to prove the resources meet stringent defense specifications before full-scale implementation.