ATLANTA — The National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA) joined the Specialty Metals Availability Reform Team (SMART) coalition in filing a letter of support for proposed DFARS rule, which would make specialty metals acquisition restrictions inapplicable to commercial off the shelf (COTS) components. Military and defense electronics bills of materials (BOMs) often include COTS components and subassemblies.

DFARS asserts the inapplicability of 10 USC 2533b specialty metals acquisition requirements to COTS items. In 2006, NEDA collaborated with the Berry Amendment Legislative Task Force to enact the "Berry Amendment," which prohibits Department of Defense (DoD) contractors and suppliers from incorporating specialty metals smelted outside the U.S. into military components or parts. The trade association supports the DFARS rule as a means for providing similar quality and purity regulations to COTS that may be incorporated into these military end products.

The SMART Coalition comprises 14 member associations promoting a strong U.S. defense/industrial base with access to next-generation technologies and products. NEDA joins the American Electronics Association, the Contract Services Association, Electronic Industries Alliance, and related groups in the coalition. For more information on specialty metals regulations, visit NEDA's Website.