Defense Production Act of 1950

The Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 (Pub. L. 81–774) is a United States federal law enacted on September 8, 1950, in response to the start of the Korean War. It was part of a broad civil defense and war mobilization effort in the context of the Cold War. Its implementing regulations, the Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS), are located at 15 CFR §§700 to 700.93. Since 1950, the act has been reauthorized over 50 times. It has been periodically amended and remains in force.

Amendments

The Defense Production Act (DPA) has undergone several amendments since it was first passed in 1950. These amendments have entailed alterations to its definition of "national defense." Four of the major amendments are described below:

1. In 1970, the existing definition of "national defense" was amended to include space activity, and the body of the legislation was edited to incorporate cost-accounting standards.
2. In 1980, the DPA was reauthorized to designate energy as a material good, making the resources and means for its generation obtainable with an invocation of the act.
3. In 1992, the DPA was amended to provide opportunities for small businesses to participate as contractors and subcontractors in initiatives directed by the act, allowing businesses of all sizes to be considered for accelerated production needs.
4. In 2003, an amendment to the DPA established "critical infrastructure protection and restoration" as a national security concern, and identified resources deemed necessary for creating radiation-hardened electronics a specific new category the DPA could be applied to.

Through continued reauthorization, the DPA has been permitted to enhance provision of civil transportation; energy; and food, health, and industrial resources, in the name of the national defense.