As previously reported, in February 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14017 (“EO 14017”), which instructed various government agencies to review the current supply chain risks for critical sectors and subsectors of the Information and Communications Technology (“ICT”) industrial base and provide the executive branch with reports of identified risks. In order to comply with EO 14017, the Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) recently announced that it will host a virtual forum soliciting recommendations from the public on how to strengthen the resiliency of the ICT industrial base. The ICT industrial base consists of:
- component hardware that enables terrestrial distribution,
- broadcast/wireless transport,
- satellite support,
- data storage to include data center and cloud technologies, and end user devices including home devices such as routers, antennae, and receivers, and mobile devices; and
- software and services that have direct dependencies on one or more of the enabling hardware.”
In the virtual forum, BIS seeks comments from interested parties that address the policy objectives set forth in EO 14017, which include:
- revitalizing and rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity,
- maintaining America’s competitive edge in research and development,
- creating well-paying jobs,
- supporting small businesses,
- advancing the fight against climate change; and
- encouraging economic growth in communities of color and economically distressed areas.
The virtual forum will be held on October 29, 2021 from 9 am to 12 pm EST. The forum will only be held virtually. Parties interested in speaking or participating must register in advance here. The deadline to submit a request to be a speaker at the forum is October 22, 2021 at 5 pm EST. The deadline to register to attend the virtual forum is October 29, 2021 at 5 pm EST. Additional details on the forum can be found here.
Should you have any questions regarding the forum, please contact Husch Blackwell’s International Trade & Supply Chain team.