On Thursday, August 13th, 2020 the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), section 889 took effect, essentially banning the use of certain, China operated telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. These brands have been linked to espionage, supply chain disruption and national security threats.
My question is: if these brands are being banned for federal work because it may allow the Chinese government to spy on your phones, security cameras, routers and mobile hotspots, why should we continue to use them at all? There are plenty of other brands out there. Either way, here is the list of banned vendors:
Huawei Technologies Company
ZTE Corporation
Hytera Communications Corporation
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
Dahua Technology Company
I’ve posted the DoD Implementation Guide and the Section 889 document from the GSA to our blog. If your company does any federal work, feel free to read them over. Feel a headache coming on? I’ve got you covered. Here are a few highlights:
Section 889 applies to every sector, no matter what your company makes or sells. All systems your company uses must be checked for prohibited equipment and services.
This applies to your company as a prime or sub – everyone along the supply chain.
Your company will be required to represent in SAM whether you do not use prohibited telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether or not it is for the purpose of a Federal contract.
Waivers may be available from an agency head through August 13, 2021 or 2022.
Failure to comply with this requirement may jeopardize existing contracts and exclude your organization from being awarded future contracts.
If you recognize any of these devices as being in use in your organization or any of your subs, we recommend having them changed immediately. Look particularly at security camera systems, cell phones and hot spots as these are the most common personal electronic devices being produced by these manufacturers. If in doubt, feel free to send over a picture of the suspicious device and we can look into it for you.
Stay safe out there.
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