DOD asking agencies for ways to address key supply chain vulnerabilities

The Defense Department is asking agencies to submit information regarding opportunities to address key supply chain vulnerabilities, according to a Federal Register notice.

The notice follows President Biden’s Feb. 24 executive order, America’s Supply Chains, which focused on the need for resilient and secure supply chains to ensure national security and economic prosperity.

Agency comments will help DOD respond to the executive order, the Sept. 28 notice states.

One of the directives from the executive order requires the defense secretary to submit a report within one year on supply chains for the defense industrial base.

“This report will provide an assessment of key supply chains, including their vulnerabilities and potential courses of action to strengthen the defense industrial base,” according to the notice.

DOD specifically wants comments about supply chain vulnerabilities and opportunities in the areas of select kinetic capabilities, including hypersonics, directed-energy and precision guided munitions; energy storage and batteries; microelectronics; and castings and forgings.

In addition to the four topic areas, DOD is asking for input on five system enablers: workforce, cyber posture, interoperability, small business and manufacturing. These systemic enablers span all four topic areas and “are critical to mission success,” according to the notice.

The notice outlines specific questions for agencies and responses are wanted by Oct. 13.