DPAS FAQS

What is DPAS?

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is a regulation administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This regulation ensures that the necessary resources are available to meet our Nation's national defense and emergency preparedness needs.

How is DPAS Used?

DPAS is used to prioritize national defense-related contracts and orders throughout the U.S. supply chain. 

The DPAS-rated orders support:

• military programs
• energy programs
• homeland security
• emergency preparedness
• critical infrastructure

The use of the DPAS is not limited to crises, emergencies, or armed conflict, and it can also provide military or critical infrastructure assistance to foreign nations. It is important to note that all companies in the United States must comply with the DPAS regulation. 

What Does the DPAS Mean for Noble's Suppliers? 

Noble Supply & Logistics provides a wide range of products, materials, equipment, and services to military, federal, state, and local customers. In the process of fulfilling our contractual obligations to the government, we receive DPAS-rated orders that are subject to the DPAS regulation. 

Because Noble relies on our supplier partners to fulfill our DPAS-rated orders, the regulation continues to apply to each vendor from contractor to subcontractor throughout the supply chain. To ensure compliance, we require our suppliers for these DPAS-rated orders to accept these orders in writing and to provide preferential scheduling to meet the required delivery dates. 

Noble requires written or electronic acknowledgment of acceptance of DPAS-rated orders within 15 days for DO rated orders or 10 days for DX rated orders.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DPAS

Question: May I accept a DPAS-rated order contingent upon obtaining necessary production materials or equipment?

Answer: No. Rated orders may not be accepted on a contingent basis. If you cannot meet the required delivery date, you must inform Noble of the earliest date on which delivery can be made, and offer to accept the order on the basis of that date.

Question: If I encounter production or shipment conflicts following acceptance of several rated orders of equal priority status that will result in delayed delivery or performance against one or more orders, which of the conflicting orders should be given delivery or performance preference?

Answer: You should give preference to order or orders in the sequence in which delivery or performance is required. For conflicting rated orders received on the same day, you should give preference to the order or orders with the earliest receipt date. If you cannot otherwise resolve the delivery or performance conflict, you must promptly contact Noble.

Question: Can I charge a higher price to produce, deliver, or perform against my rated order?

Answer: No. You may not discriminate against a rated order in any manner, nor impose any different terms or conditions than for comparable unrated orders.

Question: May I use a rated order to purchase finished items, components, or production materials from a foreign supplier?

Answer: No. The DPAS, and therefore priority ratings, has no legal standing outside of the United States.

Question: If I refuse to accept or comply with a rated order, what should I do?

Answer: The reason for refusal must conform to the provisions in section 700.13 (b) or (c) of the DPAS regulation. You should give the reason for the refusal promptly in writing to Noble. 

Question: Must I accept a rated contract or order from Noble, with whom I have never done business?

Answer: Yes. Except as provided in the DPAS in 15 CFR § 700.13, you must accept and fill all rated orders you receive.

For a better understanding of these requirements, see the U.S. Government FAR website. http://farsite.hill.af.mil/farsites.html