§4875 Prohibition on acquisition of personal protective equipment and certain other items from non-allied foreign nations

Summary

The Defense Department cannot buy certain medical and protective supplies from four foreign countries: North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran. The rule covers main contracts and any subcontracts at all levels. Covered item: personal protective gear (for example, gloves, masks, respirators, face shields, gowns, and related materials) and certain medical supplies (like sanitizing wipes, testing swabs, gauze, and bandages). The ban does not apply if the Secretary of Defense finds that needed quality, quantity, form, or timing cannot be met by other countries at a reasonable price, if the item will be used outside the United States, or for purchases of $150,000 or less. Large purchases cannot be split into smaller ones to get below $150,000.