New DFAR Requirement

[MAC3382]

Hello, all:

Our compliance department just alerted us to a new version of DFAR (Buy American Act )specifically pertaining to Specialty Metals; however, no one here knows what to make of the change. Being the so called "magnet guy" in our company I was asked to research it.

We buy SmCo which falls under the Specialty Metals section 252.225-7014. This section qualified a "specialty metal" and listed approved country options. When necessary we purchased material from a US mill (yes mill and not a reseller) or from a qualifying country.

No problem, but as of 11-23-09 the Specialty metal Section now says:

252.225-7014 Reserved.

Does this mean that specialty metals no longer apply to DFAR? I would appreciate any help!

Thanks as always,

Mac

 

[MagMike]

Gareth Hatch has a blog (Terra Magnetica) dealing with permanent magnets and other rare earth metals and has discussed this issue. Here is a link to a white paper he wrote about the latest DFARS issues. It is long, but comprehensive and well worth reading. Here is the link:

http://www.terramagnetica.com/2009/08/24/new-white-paper-on-rare-earths-specialty-metals/