Counterfeit electronic parts controls in the Department of Defense supply chain

Abstract

Counterfeit electronic parts in the Department of Defense (DOD) supply chain undermine the operational readiness and performance of weapons systems, provide a competitive edge to adversaries, and put warfighters at risk. Consumer demand for products containing integrated circuits has risen dramatically. Electronics manufacturers leverage overseas production to reduce cost. The loss of the domestic semiconductor industry and a variety of DOD acquisition policies contributed to an environment that introduces risk of foreign manufactured components of unverifiable pedigree into many DOD systems. Current policy and statutory controls are inadequate to stem the growth of counterfeit and nonconforming parts in the DOD supply chain. This Joint Applied Project considers the history and scope of the counterfeit parts issue and its contributing factors, and proposes a tiered solution to more effectively ensure the safety, quality, and specification conformance of integrated circuit components.