4.  Confusing or Inconsistent

Comment: One respondent commented that the rules on bearings are only applied by DoD, not other Federal agencies, and that the rules are different depending on whether bearings are purchased as an end product or a component.

Response: These inconsistencies are inherent within the law. The restrictions on bearings are contained in the annual defense appropriations acts, and apply only to DoD. Further, the law provides an exception for commercial bearings purchased as components, but does not allow the same exception for bearings when purchased as end products.