§18444 Counterfeit Parts

Summary

NASA must build and run a program, with help from other federal agencies, to find, track, list, and cut down on fake electronic parts in its supply chain. The program must train every employee who buys, handles, or installs electronic parts. Training must teach how to spot fake parts, what to do if a part might be fake, and give regular updates on new threats and reporting rules. The training should include input from industry groups, manufacturers, suppliers, and other agencies. NASA must also keep an internal database of suspected and confirmed fake parts and sellers. The database must include part numbers, lot and date codes, images, countries of origin, who reported them, U.S. Customs seizures, and reports from the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program and similar sources. NASA must share this information with law enforcement, industry groups, and other databases and send out bulletins about counterfeit activity. Buying rules must be changed so parts are bought from trusted or approved manufacturers. NASA must keep a list of approved makers, reviewed at least once a year, and set criteria for approval that may include authentication codes, security markings, special labels, lot/serial tracking, RFID for costly parts, destroying defective parts, testing certificates, handling procedures, secure facilities, and return or inventory controls. Within one year after October 11, 2010, the Administrator must report progress to Congress.