The defense industrial base is considered part of the United States’ critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security, and as such has a “special responsibility” to maintain normal work schedules amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, according to a memo written March 20 by the Pentagon’s top weapons buyer.
In the memo, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord told contractors to follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from state and local authorities as related to the widespread coronavirus, but maintained that workers who help develop U.S. national security products and services are required to stay on the job. The memo was first reported Friday by Bloomberg News.
Lord included a copy of a March 19 memo issued by Christopher Krebs, director for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within DHS, in her notice to defense industry associations, governor associations, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill. That memo includes a list of workers who are considered essential across the U.S. government, from law enforcement, to public works, to energy and food and agriculture.
For the defense industrial base, those critical workers are in sectors including but not limited to: aerospace; mechanical and software engineers, manufacturing/production workers; IT support; security staff; security personnel; intelligence support; aircraft and weapon system mechanics and maintainers. Companies across the country and the globe are encouraging their employees to telework as much as possible over the next few weeks in order to limit the virus’ spread.
The CISA memo also highlights “personnel working for companies, and their subcontractors, who perform under contract to the Department of Defense providing materials and services to the Department of Defense, and government-owned/contractor operated and government-owned/government-operated facilities.”
In her memo, Lord noted: “We need your support and dedication in these trying times to ensure the security of our Nation. I understand that this national emergency presents a challenge and we are dedicated to working closely with you to ensure the safety of the workforce and accomplishments of the national security mission.”
