BANNOCKBURN, IL -- A task force of US PCB fabricators has published a list of policy recommendations for the US Department of Defense. The task force made the following recommendations:

* The DoD should source noncritical technology domestically in order to support a robust and technically advanced domestic supply base.

* Creation of a DoD-funded PCB consortium to conduct research and development to ensure that PWB manufacturers are able to supply and support future product needs of the DoD and OEMs.

* The DoD shall mandate that prime contractors submit a circuit board technology GAP analysis in their formal bids to the DoD to ascertain what is feasible and dedicate R&D funding for technologically limited areas.

* Transparent information on DoD funding as well as creation of tax incentives, rebates, and/or credits for PCB manufacturers that supply the DoD, will significantly renew interest and investment by US-based companies.

* The DoD should enforce compliance with current standards, such as military, ITAR and IPC standards adopted by the DoD, to ensure trust of PCBs intended for the DoD.

* Prime contractors working on DoD programs must be involved in and actively participate in the development of PWB technology roadmaps.

  Task force members include senior officers of Colonial Circuits; DDi; EIT Inc.; Hunter Technology; IMI Inc.; Sanmina-SCI; TTM; and Vulcan Flex Circuits. The group was brought together under the auspices of IPC.

  The DoD recently designated the US Navy's Crane, IN, branch as its PCB Executive Agent in charge of strengthening national defense readiness