Over the past year, the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security have worked in concert to evaluate the strength and resilience of the information and communications technology (ICT) supply chains pursuant to Executive Order 14017, on “America’s Supply Chains.” The resulting report, Assessment of the Critical Supply Chains Supporting the U.S. Information and Communications Technology Industry, was drafted by our departments after consulting with hundreds of stakeholders from across the ICT industry, the Federal Government, and the academic community. We would like to thank those who have contributed to this report through public comments, briefings, and consultations.

The enclosed report evaluates the current supply chain conditions facing the ICT industry, identifies key risks that threaten to disrupt those supply chains, and proposes a strategy to mitigate risk and strengthen supply chain resiliency.

The importance of having resilient and secure supply chains supporting the U.S. ICT industry cannot be overstated. The unprecedented disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have emphasized the need to take immediate action. The Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security have already begun to take steps aimed at mitigating risks identified in the report. These actions include investing in domestic manufacturing capacity and workforce development, developing supply chain security frameworks, collaborating with international partners to improve resiliency, investing in ICT research and development efforts as well as reducing cyber risks.

Promoting a more secure and resilient ICT supply chain is going to take a whole-of-government approach, working together to protect and strengthen the very supply chains that keep our economy running and our communities safe. However, government cannot accomplish this goal alone - there is also important work to be done by the private sector and other non-governmental partners.

We look forward to working with the ICT industry and other domestic and international partners to take actionable steps in implementing measures identified in the assessment that build resilience and security throughout the ICT supply chain and across our nation.