WASHINGTON DC - The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for 2007 Report (House Report. 109-702) previously directed the Secretary of Defense to provide recommendations on the implementation of the National Research Council (NRC) report on manufacturing trends in PCB technology to the Congress' Armed Services Committees.

A team led by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division analyzed, evaluated and commented on the findings and recommendations contained in the NRC Study, and responded to the congressional direction.

The NRC committee made four recommendations:

1. The Department of Defense (DOD) should continue using the existing manufacturing capability at NSWC Crane Division (Indiana) and at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (Georgia), as well as contractors currently providing legacy PCB support.

2. DOD should develop a method to assess the materials, processes, and components for manufacture of PCBs that are essential for properly functioning, secure defense systems.

3. DOD should ensure its access to current PCB technology by establishing a competing network of shops that can be trusted to manufacture PCBs for secure defense systems.

4. DOD should ensure access to new PCB technology by expanding its role in fostering new PCB design and manufacturing technology.

The report states that the "DOD concurs with comment on all NRC committee recommendations, discussing current and potential actions to address each one. DOD suggests establishing Executive Agent oversight by the Navy through NSWC Crane Division for PCB technology to ensure that the recommended actions are executed so to sustain a robust domestic manufacturing capability."
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