Defense Issues Final RFID Rule The Defense Department has issued a final rule requiring suppliers to use passive radio frequency identification tags on shipments to its distribution depots at Susquehanna, PA, and San Joaquin, CA. The rule is effective Nov. 14. The rule codifies a policy that went into effect Jan. 1 at the two locations. Generally, RFIDs are required on shipping cases and pallets containing packaged operational rations, clothing, individual equipment, tools, personal demand items or weapon system repair parts, DOD said. Other items and other destinations will be added Jan. 1. The requirement will be implemented on new contracts. DOD said suppliers will be allowed to include the cost of compliance in their contract, subject to negotiation. DOD said RFID will improve its inventory management, which has been on the Government Accountability Office’s list of high-risk programs since 1990. In a report this month, GAO said, “The Department of Defense has had problems tracking and identifying inventory for many years, most recently in Operation Iraqi Freedom.” GAO auditors said the department “has not yet developed a comprehensive strategic management approach” to implementing the RFID requirement throughout all its components. For more information, go to www.dodrfid.org.