FORT BELVOIR, VA -- The US Defense Logistics Agency is confronting the counterfeit problem by implementing genetics-based validation.

The DLA issued a directive implementing new requirements for DNA authentication marking on items falling within Federal Supply Class (FSC) 5962, Electronic Microcircuits, which have been determined to be at high risk for counterfeiting.

According to the notice, a new clause at Defense Logistics Acquisition Directive (DLAD) 52.211-9074, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Marking on High Risk Items, will be included in new solicitations and contracts for FSC 5962 items when the item description states that the item requires DNA marking. The clause requires contractors to provide items that have been marked with botanically-generated DNA produced by Applied DNA Sciences or its authorized licensees, if any.

Contractors shall obtain the DNA marking material from Applied DNA sciences or an authorized licensee, and may contact them at militarymark@adnas.com.

The DNA marking can be applied with an invisible DNA mark on the part, or the contractor’s ink utilized for part marking can be mixed with the DNA marking material. The authentication DNA used shall be unique to the contractor. Contractors will be required to retain traceability documentation that demonstrates the items provided under the contract have been marked with DNA material produced by Applied DNA Sciences or an authorized licensee, and that the DNA marking is unique to the contractor.

DLA is proceeding with this marking requirement for FSC 5962 in order to implement effective authentication marking while concurrently initiating a research and development effort to evaluate comparable DNA and alternative authentication technologies for intended application to all electronics items. A forthcoming Request for Information (RFI) will request input concerning authentication marking technologies that would satisfy DLA’s requirements as outlined in the RFI.

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