What Is DFARS? A Metal Buyer’s Guide

Grant’s Field Journal

Mission: Decode DFARS requirements for specialty metals
Terrain: Defense procurement, certifications and country of origin
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Status: Acronym decoded

You’re reviewing an RFQ when four letters appear:

DFARS.

Suddenly, finding the right alloy isn’t enough.

Where was it melted? Where was it produced? Can the supplier document it? Does the material you're buying even fall under the requirement?

Welcome to one of the more complicated expeditions in metal sourcing.

First, what does DFARS mean?

DFARS stands for the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement. It contains procurement rules used by the U.S. Department of Defense.

For metal buyers, DFARS often comes up because of restrictions involving certain specialty metals used in DoD contracts and products. Two important clauses are DFARS 252.225-7008 and 252.225-7009.

But here's the first important discovery:

DFARS isn't a type of metal.

You don't simply buy "DFARS steel" or "DFARS titanium." You're buying material that must satisfy the requirements applicable to a particular contract.

What metals are considered specialty metals?

Under the DFARS specialty-metals provisions, the definition includes certain alloy steels based on their chemistry, qualifying nickel and iron-nickel alloys, qualifying cobalt alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, and zirconium and zirconium alloys.

That means familiar materials can enter DFARS territory.

But don't assume that simply knowing the alloy tells you everything you need to know.

Grant's note: When someone asks for "DFARS material," my next question is: What exactly does the purchase order or contract require?

That's where the real expedition starts.

Why does where the metal comes from matter?

For specialty metal delivered under DFARS 252.225-7008, the clause requires it to be melted or produced in the United States or its outlying areas.

DFARS 252.225-7009, which deals with certain articles containing specialty metals, is broader and includes provisions involving specialty metals melted or produced in the United States, its outlying areas, or a qualifying country, subject to the clause's requirements and exceptions.

That's why a buyer shouldn't reduce DFARS to:

"Does this metal come from America?"

The applicable clause, material, end use and contractual requirements matter.

The paperwork matters, too

Here's where sourcing can get tricky.

You may find the exact grade.

The right size.

The right quantity.

It's sitting on a shelf ready to ship.

But if the documentation doesn't establish what your contract requires, you may still have a problem.

For buyers working with specialty metals, traceability can be just as important as availability.

Before purchasing, understand what documentation your customer or contract requires and make sure your supplier can provide it.

Why can DFARS material be harder to source?

Every requirement narrows the search.

Imagine you're looking for titanium plate.

Now add:

A specific alloy.
A specific thickness.
A specific specification.
A small quantity.
A short lead time.
And DFARS requirements.

Your universe of available material just got considerably smaller.

That's why something that looks easy on a blueprint can become much harder once purchasing starts calling suppliers.

It's another form of Unobtainium.

Grant's Checklist: Before You Send the RFQ

If you're sourcing material for a defense-related requirement, start with the details:

• What DFARS clause or requirement appears on the PO or contract?

• What exact alloy and specification are required?

• What size and product form do you need?

• How much material do you need?

• What origin requirements apply?

• What certifications or traceability documentation must accompany it?

• Are substitutions permitted, and if so, who must approve them?

Getting those answers upfront can prevent a lot of unnecessary searching later.

One important caveat

DFARS contains exceptions and detailed rules that depend on the acquisition and the applicable contract clauses. DoD's own regulations specify circumstances in which the specialty-metals restrictions apply and exceptions to those restrictions.

So a blog—or Grant—shouldn't be the final authority on whether a particular purchase is compliant.

The actual contract requirements come first.

When necessary, confirm them with the appropriate contracting, legal or compliance professionals.

The Explorer's Takeaway

DFARS can sound intimidating.

But from a metal buyer's perspective, the expedition starts with a few basic questions:

What material do I need?
What clause applies?
Where must it be melted or produced?
And can I prove it?

Answer those questions before beginning the search, and you'll have a much better chance of finding the right material—not merely finding metal.

Having Trouble Finding DFARS-Compliant Material?

If the alloy, size, quantity and sourcing requirements have turned your search into an expedition, tell Grant what you're looking for.

Give us the grade, specification, size, quantity and DFARS requirement, and Metals Suppliers Online can help explore the sourcing options.

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