Defense Primer: Acquiring Specialty Metals and Sensitive Materials (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Aug. 20, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF11226 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Alexandra G. Neenan; Luke A. Nicastro |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
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Summary:
Some metals and metal alloys, as well as strong permanent
magnets known as rare earth magnets, are critical to U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) operations. These are
frequently integrated into components (e.g., integrated
circuits, electrical wiring, or optoelectronic devices) or
structures (e.g., aircraft fuselages or ship hulls) of numerous
military platforms and weapon systems. There are few, and,
in some cases, no known alternatives for these materials,
which often have unique physical properties (such as high
material strength coupled with resistance to corrosion or
low density). In addition, the existing sources for many of
these are very limited and, sometimes, located in
adversarial countries. As a result, Congress has established
sourcing requirements and restrictions relating to specialty
metals and other sensitive materials, that may ensure
continued or expanded U.S. access for defense purposes.
Title 10 §4863 United States Code requires that some items
that incorporate certain metals and metal alloys (i.e.,
specialty metals) generally be produced or manufactured in
the United States. Other statutory prohibitions establish that
some items that incorporate other sensitive materials may
not be acquired from specified sources.
