Archive: Apr 2024

A DFARS-Compliant Materials Guide

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Having a continual supply of DFARS-compliant materials is necessary for a wide range of Department of Defense (DoD) applications. With the growing demand for DFARS metals, contractors capable of meeting DFARS material requirements stand to gain a major competitive edge. Learn more about the types of DFARS-compliant materials and what a reputable supplier looks like.

What Is DFARS-Compliant Material?

DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) is a set of restrictions on certain types of metals allowed on DoD projects. These restrictions extend to any contractor tasked with supplying or manufacturing specialized metals for sensitive military applications. DFARS also sets rigorous cybersecurity standards for sensitive defense-related data.

There isn’t a single comprehensive list of DFARS metals. Rather, meeting DFARS regulations in full also requires following numerous separate conditions that are subject to change. The primary conditions are:

  • Metal and Alloy Type: Only specific types of metals and alloys are covered by DFARS compliance standards.
  • Alloying Content: DFARS further sets standards for each metal’s ratio of alloying elements, so the alloying content of compliant metals must fall within accepted limits.
  • Melting Method and Country of Origin: The melting method for a given metal and the location of the melting process are also governed by DFARS. Only metals from specific countries are acceptable sources of DFARS metals.

DoD contractors must heed strict purchase order requirements that often invoke an extensive list of DFARS regulations. One of the most common requirements is DFARS Clause 252.225-7009, “Restriction on Acquisition of Certain Articles Containing Metals.” This clause requires that all stainless steel, titanium, and other “Metals” be melted in the United States or one of several “Qualifying Countries.”

DFARS Approved Countries

Below is a current list of Qualifying DFARS Approved Countries for 2024:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • Northern Ireland

Types of DFARS Metals & Alloys

DFARS regulations cover the following metals and alloys as well as other metals:

  • Steel
  • Titanium and titanium alloys
  • Zirconium and zirconium alloys
  • Nickel and iron-nickel alloys
  • Cobalt base alloys

Why Choose Continental Steel & Tube for Your DFARS Needs?

Since 1985, Continental Steel & Tube Company has established a lasting reputation as a trusted and dependable supplier of DFARS metals. We meet and exceed the most rigorous quality standards, including ISO 9001:2015 and AS9120B:2016.

Our reputation as a leading DFARS material supplier is based on the following:

  • Expertise: Continental Steel & Tube has a thorough understanding of DFARS regulations and has a long history of supplying clients with compliant materials.
  • Material Selection: We specialize in numerous DFARS metals and alloys, including various types of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, and titanium.
  • Quality Assurance: Our ISO 9001:2015 and AS9120 Rev. B certifications exemplify our commitment to quality and consistency. We continually refine our quality assurance processes so we can meet new DFARS compliance challenges as they arise.
  • Compliance Support: We know how difficult navigating DFARS material standards can be. Our metal experts work closely with each client to understand their needs and help them select the right materials for their application. We also heed all DFARS data security standards.

Contact Continental Steel & Tube for DFARS Compliant Materials & Support

Continental Steel & Tube is committed to meeting the strictest material standards and project requirements for specialized defense applications. We’ve earned continual recognition since our founding as a leading global supplier of metals.

By maintaining distribution centers in every region of the U.S., we match our commitment to quality with an equally reliable distribution network. Continental Steel & Tube helps our clients navigate the complex regulatory requirements of their industry, including DFARS and many others. To learn more about DFARS-compliant materials, contact us or request a quote today.