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Congress·In Committee·11 months ago

Congress moves to limit Pentagon tech purchases to manufacturers or approved resellers to reduce supply-chain risk

Also known as: SAFE Supply Chains Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(2)
Federal Employee
Neutral
Military Active
Neutral

Key Points

  • The bill would stop the Defense Department from buying or using certain tech hardware unless it comes straight from the manufacturer or an approved seller.
  • It targets end-use tech hardware and components, including the built-in software and firmware that make the hardware run (not stand-alone software).
  • The Defense Secretary could waive the rule for scientific research or to keep mission-critical work running, but would have to notify Congress and explain the safety steps.
  • The Defense Department would have to publish guidance to help blocked vendors become approved sellers, so they can compete for future contracts.
  • Starting one year after the bill becomes law, the Defense Department would report to Congress each year for 6 years on how often waivers were used and what it’s doing to reduce them. No new funding is provided.
National SecurityTechnologyCybersecurity

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Apr 9, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Apr 9, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

1 year after the date the bill becomes law

Defense Department restriction starts: covered IT hardware must be bought from original manufacturers or authorized resellers.

New buys, contract renewals, and use of covered products would need approved sourcing; sellers without authorization could lose eligibility.

Before and around the 1-year effective date, so buyers and vendors can comply

Defense Department issues buying guidance and help for sellers to become “authorized resellers.”

Distributors and refurbishers get a clearer path to qualify, which could reduce supply disruption and keep more vendors competing.

Starting when the restriction takes effect, as situations arise

Defense Department begins using waivers for research or mission-critical needs (with notice to Congress).

If a needed item is only available outside the allowed channels, the Department can keep missions or research moving, but must document reasons and security steps.

1 year after the bill becomes law (and then once each year until year 6)

First annual report to Congress on waivers and steps taken to reduce them.

Public, unclassified reporting can show how often the Defense Department is making exceptions and whether it is moving toward full compliance.

Related News

2 articles
Senator John Cornyn (press release)·11 months ago

Cornyn, Peters, Fallon, Khanna Introduce Bill to Bolster Defense Cybersecurity, U.S. Supply Chains

Lawmakers announced the SAFE Supply Chains Act to restrict DoD ICT hardware purchases to OEMs or authorized resellers, aiming to reduce counterfeit/grey-market electronics risk and strengthen cybersecurity.

+
FedScoop·over 1 year ago

Bipartisan Senate bill aims to ban U.S. agency purchases of counterfeit electronics

Coverage of the SAFE supply-chain concept to limit federal electronics purchases to OEMs/authorized resellers, citing cybersecurity and counterfeit risks; provides context for the later DoD-focused House bill.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

SAFE Supply Chains Act

Bill NumberHR 2765
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.