NDIA offers statement on Section 889

ARLINGTON, VA – The National Defense Industrial Association offers this statement regarding Section 889, part B of the fiscal 2019 National Defense Authorization Act:

"NDIA agrees with the premise of Section 889, part B, of the fiscal 2019 National Defense Authorization Act and worked diligently with its members and with other trade associations to create an implementable policy.

“Unfortunately, our efforts to secure a delay of enactment and an opportunity to comment and collaborate on a workable rule did not happen. Instead, as of Thursday, Aug. 13, many of our members have been asked to attest to not ‘using,’ from a still-undefined list, systems and components in their respective supply chains; otherwise, they risk losing current and future contracts. Now, several of these companies have told NDIA they are contemplating layoffs, leaving the defense industrial base or folding as a business.

“There could not have been a worse time or a worse way to implement this provision. It comes on top of the COVID-19 fallout to these companies and the mandate that they upgrade to conform to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification standards. Today’s announcement of a temporary waiver until September 30 is heartening.  NDIA hopes the decision-makers in the Executive Branch and Congress take into account these initial effects and seek a workable solution.”

For media queries, contact Evamarie Socha at esocha@NDIA.org.