The DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) has made the decision to no longer require distributors to mark the 5962 and 5961 part classes with DNA for later authentication. They have decided to take the process in-house. Originally each distributor which wanted to supply the DLA with electronic components, in the aforementioned part classes, was required to attain their own DNA signature and have each part marked prior to shipment to the DLA. The process of becoming capable to provide that service was in excess of $50,000 for each distributor. The DLA had begun reimbursing all of the distributors for their expenses to become registered to perform these activities and to provide the marking. As more and more distributors requested the DNA program it obviously became very expensive for the DLA.
This move to bring it in-house to the DLA will make the entry to sell these products much easier for distributors. There are still rigorous testing requirements, which align with the AS6081 procedures, but the marking requirement has been removed. Please read the document from the DLA at the following link for more information and details about the changes.
Robb Hammond, founder and president of AERI (American Electronic Resource, Inc.). Founding member and former committee chair of the SAE AS6081 Standard created for the avoidance of counterfeit electronic components. Robb founded AERI in Costa Mesa, California, in 1994 as an independent distributor of hard-to-find, obsolete and allocated electronic components. AERI is AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015 and AS6081 certified, tests to AS6171 standards, and inspects every part in its in-house QC lab before it ships. Robb writes about electronic component shortages, sourcing strategy and counterfeit avoidance.
