National Defense Resources Preparedness

2012-03-22Executive Order 13603
Signed by: Barack Obama
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Headline: Delegates Defense Production Authorities to Federal Agencies for Preparedness

What it does: Agencies must use delegated Defense Production Act authorities to prioritize contracts, allocate resources, and expand production for national defense.

Real World Impact:
  • Allows agencies to prioritize and speed private contracts and orders for defense.
  • Authorizes loans, loan guarantees, subsidies, and purchases to boost production capacity.
  • Creates a trained reserve of executives and increases labor planning for emergencies.
Topics: national defense, industrial policy, emergency preparedness, government contracting, supply chain

Summary

This order delegates authorities under the Defense Production Act to federal agencies and sets policies to ensure the nation’s industrial and technology base can meet defense needs. It directs agencies to identify needs, assess production capability, and be ready to secure necessary materials, services, and critical technology.

The Secretary of Homeland Security is given central coordination duties, and a Defense Production Act Committee will advise the President. The order authorizes prioritizing contracts, allocating materials, offering loans and loan guarantees, and establishing a National Defense Executive Reserve.

It matters because it lets the government speed production and focus resources during emergencies.

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