Contracts for defense-related equipment often specify the use of DFARS-compliant specialty steel. DFARS, an acronym for Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, is a complex government process that specifies how military items should be purchased.
Its purpose is to ensure the stability, security, and longevity of the supply chain for items essential for national security and to prevent sourcing from countries that could cut off the supply of vital materials, parts, or other equipment.
DFARS does not automatically apply to every purchase order issued by the DoD or its contractors. Rather, its application is specified within the procurement documentation when it’s appropriate. Accordingly, when receiving purchase orders for military-related work, it’s important to check whether DFARS compliance is needed.
DFARS defines specialty steels by chemical composition. Steels with elevated levels of elements, including magnesium, silicon, copper, chromium, nickel, and cobalt, are classed as “specialty.”
DFARS-compliant specialty steel does not have to be produced within the United States. However, if not domestic, the steel must be melted and processed, meaning turned into plate, bar, tube, or other form, within a qualifying country.
Specialty steels can be sourced from countries listed in DFARS sections 252.225-7008 and 7009. These are primarily NATO members and some other allies. At the time of writing, the full list includes:
Many steel grades are considered “specialty” under DFARS, including:
Tungsten and vanadium are often thought of as DFARS specialty steels. While this isn’t strictly accurate, they may be covered by DFARS because they are alloyed with other elements to create a high-performance alloy.
Most low-carbon steels and those with small proportions of alloying elements are not considered “specialty” under the definitions used in the DFARS regulations.
Other metals not covered are aluminum, magnesium, and red metals, including brass, bronze, and copper. Certain products made from aluminum may still be subject to DFARS regulations if used in high amounts as an alloying element
Keep in mind that requesting DFARS compliance for these alloys isn’t possible because they aren’t considered specialty steel and are, therefore, not subject to the regulations defined within DFARS.
DFARS can be confusing, and oftentimes, purchase orders may require DFARS compliance by default for government contracts. However, it’s not possible to fulfill DFARS compliance requests for non-specialty steel.
Source One Metals helps contractors ensure compliance with DFARS by providing mill certificates that detail heat number, chemical composition, and the country in which the metal was processed. Note that this is not always provided by certificates unless specifically requested. The heat number and country provide the traceability required to help customers verify DFARS compliance.
Source One Metals was founded to help U.S. customers find reliable, high-quality specialty steel. We understand that steel is the backbone of America’s infrastructure, and that to ensure public safety, it must come from trusted mills.
We’re backed by decades of experience and use a painstakingly thorough process to understand and meet customer requirements, including DFARS compliance requests.
Visit our website to learn more about our available stock, or contact us today to place an order.
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