New Presidential Directives on the Defense Production Act (DPA) and the COVID-19 Pandemic [February 5, 2021]   [open pdf - 658KB]

From the Document: "On January 21, 2021, the Biden Administration issued several executive orders invoking the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to address the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The DPA authorizes the President to mobilize domestic industry in service of the national defense, including emergency preparedness. DPA authorities include (1) provisions under Title I to prioritize contracts and allocate scarce goods, materials, and services; (2) financial incentives under Title III to expand productive capacity for critical materials and goods; and (3) coordination, information-gathering, and other supporting provisions under Title VII. This Insight examines the new Administration's recent DPA actions and related congressional policy considerations."