DFARS 101: An Introduction to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

What is DFARS?

DFARS, or (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement), is a set of regulations that complements the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) specifically for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). It outlines strict requirements for contractors and subcontractors supplying goods or services to the DOD, covering areas like cybersecurity, specialty metals sourcing, counterfeit parts prevention, and ethical practices. DFARS compliance ensures the security, quality, and reliability of defense-related products and services, supporting national security and domestic manufacturing.

What is the purpose of the DFAR?

The purpose of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) is to establish specific rules and standards for procurement processes within the DOD. It supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by addressing unique defense needs, ensuring the security, quality, and reliability of goods and services. DFARS promotes national security through requirements like cybersecurity, sourcing specialty metals from trusted countries, preventing counterfeit parts, and enforcing ethical practices, while also supporting domestic manufacturing and maintaining compliance across the defense supply chain.

What does it mean to be DFAR compliant?

Being DFARS compliant for physical materials means adhering to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements for sourcing and supplying materials to the U.S. Department of Defense. Specifically, it involves ensuring that specialty metals, like stainless steel, nickel, or titanium, are melted or produced in the U.S. or qualifying countries, as outlined in DFARS 252.225-7008 and 252.225-7009. Compliance requires verifiable documentation and material traceability to meet strict quality and security standards for defense applications.

Who does the DFARs apply to?

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) applies to contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers providing physical materials, such as specialty metals, to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This includes businesses in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and defense that supply components or raw materials for DoD contracts. DFARS requirements, particularly for material sourcing, extend through the entire supply chain, ensuring all parties meet standards for quality, security, and compliance with regulations like the Specialty Metals Clause.

What metals do DFARS apply to?

DFARS apply to specialty metals, as outlined in DFARS 252.225-7008 and 252.225-7009, which must be melted or produced in the U.S. or qualifying countries for DoD contracts. These metals include stainless steel, titanium, nickel alloys, cobalt-based alloys, zirconium, and certain high-performance alloys used in critical defense applications like aircraft, weaponry, and vehicles. Compliance ensures these materials meet stringent quality and security standards for national defense.

What are the DFARS countries?

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) lists “qualifying countries” for sourcing specialty metals under clauses like DFARS 252.225-7008 and 252.225-7009. These countries, approved for DoD contracts, include the United States and the following:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • United Kingdom

This list is based on the DFARS definition of “qualifying country” as of the latest available regulations. Always verify with the current DFARS text at https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars for any updates or changes.