DPAS (Defense Priorities and Allocations System)

Full Definition

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is a program administered by the Department of Commerce under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (as amended) and Executive Order 13603. It ensures the timely availability of industrial resources to meet national defense and emergency preparedness requirements. DPAS establishes a legal framework requiring contractors to accept and prioritize rated orders over unrated commercial orders. There are two priority ratings: DX (highest priority, reserved for the most critical national defense programs designated by the President) and DO (the standard priority rating for defense and energy programs). Within each rating level, orders are prioritized by date — the earliest dated order takes precedence. DPAS applies to virtually all sectors of the U.S. industrial base, including manufacturing, construction, services, and raw materials. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce oversees compliance and adjudicates disputes between contractors.

Why It Matters

If you receive a DPAS-rated order (identified by the DX or DO symbol and rating date on the contract or purchase order), you are legally required to accept it and give it priority over unrated commercial orders — even if it means rescheduling existing commercial deliveries. Failure to comply can result in civil fines up to $10,000 per violation and criminal penalties including imprisonment. Small businesses entering defense manufacturing or supply chains should understand DPAS before accepting their first defense contract. When you receive a rated order and need to pass priority through to your suppliers, you must flow the DPAS rating down to subcontractors and vendors by including the rating on your purchase orders. If you cannot fulfill a rated order on time, you must notify the customer immediately and may seek assistance from BIS through a Special Priorities Assistance (SPA) request. Keep records of all rated orders for at least three years.

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