U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security
Industrial Base Surveys and Assessments
Strategic Materials Survey
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), is conducting a survey and assessment to evaluate the supply chains associated with several materials considered important to DOD programs and systems. These materials include metals – magnesium and titanium; carbon fiber materials – polyacrylonitrite-based (PAN) fibers and bismaleimide (BMI) matrices; and rare earth elements (REE) – dysprosium, erbium, neodymium, terbium, and ytterbium.
The principal goal of this assessment is to assist the DOD in understanding the health and competitiveness of important material suppliers and to identify specific issues and challenges facing the industry. Information collected will cover government and commercial revenue, financial and operational performance, employment and skills, production capacity, research and development, unique supplier capabilities, and other topics. The resulting dataset and report will assist DOD agencies in developing targeted planning and acquisition strategies designed to ensure the availability of materials critical to defense missions and programs.
The survey is designed to provide information on companies, universities, non-profits, and government agencies providing REE and/or REE-related products and services. Your participation is vital to ensure a comprehensive dataset for the assessment.
Response Obligations
Your organization has been identified as a direct or indirect supplier of Rare Earth Elements or Rare Earth Element-related products or services and is required by federal law, under 50 U.S.C. App. Sec. 2155, to complete this survey within 30 calendar days. If your organization has multiple business units and/or facilities, each may have been contacted by BIS. If you have not already done so, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to (1) confirm receipt of this letter, (2) provide a point of contact, and (3) determine if any of your affiliated business units or facilities also received this mailing.
To begin, download the Microsoft Excel-formatted survey and corresponding instructions below.
Rare Earth Survey (Excel)* │ Rare Earth Survey (PDF)*
Complete and submit the Excel version via email to BIS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. BIS will only accept Excel-formatted survey submissions. The PDF version is only a reference document for your organization's internal use and cannot be submitted in place of a completed Excel survey. If your organization utilizes a PDF version as a reference, the PDF document below contains the dropdown menu choices not visible in the PDF version of the survey template.
*Note 1: Save a copy of the Excel survey to your computer before you make any inputs to the questionnaire.
*Note 2: If, when clicking on the above links, your computer does not ask if you want to download the file to your computer, right click on the link and select "Save As."
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the BIS survey support staff by either e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone at (202) 482-7808. E-mail is the preferred method of contact and will allow for a detailed response by BIS for your organization’s records
U.S. Department of Commerce,
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Industrial Base Surveys and Assessments
U.S. Space Industry ‘Deep Dive’
Final Dataset Findings
In June 2012, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Technology Evaluation, in coordination with the U.S. Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Reconnaissance Office began a survey and assessment of the U.S. space industrial base supply chain network. The principal purpose of this project is to gain an understanding of the complicated network supporting the development, production and sustainment of products and services across the defense, intelligence community, civil and commercial space sectors. Historically, the U.S. Government has had limited visibility into the issues and challenges facing the lower tiers of the space industrial base.
Latest Update: February 2015
BIS has completed its analysis of the Space Deep Dive data (see presentation below). BIS has completed publishing publically available reports that detail findings and recommendations on various topics, including:
- Report on the Impact of Export Controls on the Space Industrial Base Now Available;
- Small businesses in the space industrial base;
- Employment in the space industrial base.
Outreach and Assistance to U.S. Industry
In the Space Deep Dive survey, survey respondents were asked if they were interested in information on existing federal and state government programs and services designed to assist their organization better compete in the global marketplace. Working with interagency partners, BIS developed information packages for these areas and distributed them to over 1,300 respondents. The packages are included below:
- Business Development
- Country Commercial Guides
- Energy and Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing
- Export Licensing
- Financing
- Global Export Opportunities
- Government Procurement Guidelines and E-Commerce
- Manufacturing Technology Development
- Marketing Assessment Skills
- Patents and Trademarks
- Product/Service Development
- R & D Programs
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contracts
- Training Opportunities
For More Information…
For a copy of the U.S. Space Industry Deep Dive survey, go to Space Deep Dive.
To discuss the U.S. Space Industry Deep Dive study with a member of BIS staff, please contact
Brad Botwin
Director, Industrial Base Studies
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(202) 482-4060
*All data made available from this survey collection is provided in aggregated form to protect Business Confidential and proprietary information. All information submitted to BIS is protected as Business Confidential under provisions of the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950, as amended. Survey responses are also exempt from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
U.S. Department of Commerce,
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Industrial Base Assessment: U.S. Space Industry ‘Deep Dive’
Overview
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), in coordination with the U.S. Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Reconnaissance Office is undertaking a survey and assessment of the U.S. space industrial base supply chain network. The principal purpose of this project is to gain an understanding of the complicated network supporting the development, production and sustainment of products and services across the defense, intelligence community, civil and commercial space sectors. Historically, the U.S. Government has had limited visibility into the issues and challenges facing the lower tiers of the space industrial base.
The information collected from all survey respondents may be used publicly in aggregated form, but at no time will such reporting identify your specific organization. All information submitted to BIS is protected as Business Confidential under provisions of the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950, as amended. Survey responses are also exempt from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
To begin the survey, download the Microsoft Excel formatted survey and corresponding instructions below:
Space Deep Dive Survey (Excel)* | Space Deep Dive Survey (PDF)*
Submit the Excel version to BIS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The PDF version is only a reference document for your organization’s internal use – it cannot be submitted in place of a completed Excel survey document.
* Note 1: Save a copy of the Excel version to your computer before you make any inputs to the questionnaire.
* Note 2: If, when clicking on the above links, your computer does not ask if you want to download the file to your computer, right click on the link and select "Save As."
As an additional guide, the PDF below contains a separate, printer-friendly copy of the Product and Service List contained in Section 3 of the survey.
Product and Service List (PDF)
If you have any questions regarding the survey or overall U.S. space industry assessment, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone BIS staffers at (202) 482-7808. E-mail is the preferred method of contact and will allow for a detailed response for your organization records.
Thank you very much for your effort and cooperation. We look forward to working with you.
U.S. Department of Commerce,
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
National Security Assessment:
U.S. Defense Supply Chain Network – C4ISR Survey
Overview
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Technology Evaluation, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy, is conducting a series of industrial base surveys of DoD’s supply chain network. The principal goal of this effort is to provide DoD with a comprehensive sector-by-sector, tier-by-tier (S2T2) assessment of the defense supply chain. The results will be used in the budget process; to inform decision-making on industrial base sustainment, manufacturing technology, and other industrial base investments; and to support other supply chain and market research efforts. Specifically, the DoD seeks to make informed decisions as the defense budget adjusts to the drawdown from two wars and to new fiscal realities – decisions that protect critical skills and industrial capabilities and that prepare the industrial base to meet future national security requirements.
The current survey emphasizes, but is not limited to, facilities that contribute products and services to the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) supply chain. Many facilities selected to participate in the survey do not directly supply the federal government, and many facilities involved at lower tiers of the supply chain would not characterize themselves as producers of C4ISR or even defense-related products or services. Nevertheless, these subcontractor facilities make important contributions to our national defense.
All information submitted to BIS is protected as Business Confidential under provisions of the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950, as amended. Survey responses are also exempt from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. The information collected from all survey respondents cannot be published or disclosed, other than in aggregate form.
Response Obligations
Your facility has been identified as a supplier in the DoD supply chain network and selected to participate in this assessment. Your facility is required by federal law under 50 U.S.C. App Sec 2155 to complete this survey within 30 days of this request.
To begin, download the Microsoft Excel formatted survey and corresponding instructions below:
C4ISR Survey (Excel)* | C4ISR Survey (PDF)*
Drop-Down Guidance (PDF version)*
Complete and submit the Excel version to BIS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The PDF version is only a reference document for your organization’s internal use – it cannot be submitted in place of a completed Excel survey document.
*Note 1: First save a copy of the Excel version to your computer before you make any inputs to the survey.
*Note 2: If, when clicking on the above document links, your computer does not ask if you want to download the file to your computer, right click on the link and select "Save As.
Additional Guidance:
In select instances, multiple facilities under the same corporation, business unit, or division have received a letter from BIS. If your company or facility received multiple letters, do not consolidate your responses into a single submission. BIS requires a facility-level response from all letter recipients.
If you have any questions regarding the survey or overall U.S. defense supply chain assessment, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the survey support specialists at 571-372-6279. E-mail is the preferred method of contact and will allow for a detailed response for your organization records.
Thank you very much for your effort and cooperation. We look forward to working with you.
The U.S Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Technology Evaluation, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy, is conducting an industrial base survey of DoD's supply chain network. The principal goal of this effort is to produce a sector-by-sector, tier-by-tier (S2T2) evaluation of the defense industrial base with a specific focus on the aircraft, ground systems, missiles, missile defense, services and shipbuilding sectors. The results will provide DoD with a comprehensive understanding of the defense supply chain network as a benchmark to plan for future technological, market, and budget challenges that could impact U.S. military capabilities and readiness.
Your facility has been identified as a supplier in the DoD supply chain network and selected to participate in this assessment. To begin, download and save the Microsoft Excel formatted survey and corresponding instructions from the below Excel icon. To help guide your data collection efforts, PDF versions of the Excel survey template, glossary and related DoD acquisition categories (ACATs) are also made available here. BIS will only accept Excel survey submissions. The PDF version of the survey does not contain essential drop-down response criteria held in the Excel version.
In select instances, multiple facilities under the same corporation, business unit, or division have received a letter from BIS. If your company or facility received multiple letters, do not consolidate your responses into a single submission. BIS requires a facility-level response from all letter recipients. Please notify the Senior Compliance Specialist below immediately if a facility-level response is not feasible.
Information furnished to BIS is business confidential and cannot be published or disclosed, other than in aggregate form. Such information is also protected from disclosure from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Also note that you are required by federal law under 50 U.S.C. App Sec 2155 to complete the survey within 30 calendar days of receipt of this letter.
For specific questions or assistance with the Excel survey, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. E-mail is the preferred method of contact and will allow for a detailed U.S. Government e-mail response for your company records.
In a number of survey questions you will be asked to specify facility/plant, business unit/division, or corporate/whole company sources of data. Facility/plant level data is expected, whenever possible.
Upon completion, review and certification of the Excel survey, transmit the survey via e-mail attachment to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Survey (Excel)* | Survey (PDF)*
Glossary and DoD Acquisition Categories (PDF version)*
* Note 1: First save a copy of the Excel version to your computer before you make any inputs to the survey.
* Note 2: If, when clicking on the above links, your computer does not ask if you want to download the file to your computer, right click on the link and select "Save As."