24 MARCH 2020
Subject: Promoting Resiliency of the Defense Industrial Base During the COVID-19 Pandemic
To The Defense Industrial Base:
Thank you for supporting our nation and the Army in this unprecedented time as we navigate through the COVID-19 emergency. I am grateful for your continued dedication to the mission. Undoubtedly, the products and services you provide will be critical in our ability to maintain readiness and meet mission requirements.
We understand that your businesses are facing unique challenges as state and local governments issue orders requiring temporary closure of offices and facilities, directing employees to shelter in place, and imposing restrictions on travel. We will continue to work with the Department of Defense, state, and local officials to ensure clear guidance is provided. I have also asked our Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and contracting activities to assess the impacts of such orders and proactively and transparently resolve or mitigate those impacts. I urge you all to maintain clear communications with our program and contracting offices regarding the challenges faced by this new environment. We stand ready to help.
Our first priority must be the health and safety of the total force and we must do what we can to protect our people. I urge you to comply with health and safety guidance provided by public health officials. I have asked our PEOs and contracting activities to remain in contact with you regarding the impact that such guidelines will have on your ability to work, to assess resulting impacts to contract requirements, and to work with vendors to modify contract terms where appropriate.
We understand that COVID-19 will impact your operations, as it will impact ours. Please keep us informed of your challenges due to COVID-19. Again, thank you for your outstanding drive to help the Army maintain its readiness and deterrence as it builds to the future.
Bruce D. Jette
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology