Much attention has been directed toward the Secretary of Defense's initiative to use COTS parts.  This policy has often been misinterpreted.  Below is some clarification on this issue provided by the Under Secretary of Defense; who is in charge of this effort.  It clearly encourages the use of parts from QML parts suppliers.

"The Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) for microelectronics was developed in partnership with Government and industry. Many of our most valuable suppliers of microelectronic components have implemented the QML as their main world-wide business operating system. Appropriate use of this system will not only help us insert advanced technologies, but will allow for more cost effective logistics support throughout systems' life cycles."

Paul G. Kaminski                   
Under Secretary of Defense          
The full text of the memo from which this quote is excerpted may be viewed at the link below!

 

Kaminski Memo     Under Secretary of Defense on QML/QPL

 

Launch Cost

Space Station Program