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Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Preference for United States Vessels in Transporting Supplies By Sea (DFARS Case 2021-D020)

Detected July 30, 2026 · in Government Contracting (SAM/FAR)

DoD final rule amends DFARS to require preference for U.S.-flag vessels for transporting supplies by sea, implementing the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

Aforeworn detected this change in the Government Contracting (SAM/FAR) space on July 30, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Medium urgency. Defense contractors and subcontractors involved in shipping supplies by sea under DoD contracts. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Effective September 26, 2024 (date of publication in Federal Register).. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Government Contracting (SAM/FAR) continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.

What changed

Contractors must use U.S.-flag vessels for transporting supplies by sea unless an exception applies (e.g., U.S.-flag vessels not available, cost unreasonable, or waiver granted).

Who it affects

Defense contractors and subcontractors involved in shipping supplies by sea under DoD contracts.

What you must do

Review shipping procedures to ensure compliance with the U.S.-flag vessel preference; document any use of foreign vessels with justification.

Deadline

Effective September 26, 2024 (date of publication in Federal Register).

Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/26/2024-21092/defense-federal-acquisition-regulation-supplement-preference-for-united-states-vessels-in

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