I.  Background

DoD published a final rule (DFARS Case 2009-D004) in the Federal Register at 76 FR 25569 on May 5, 2011, to implement in the DFARS the DoD policy addressing the serious human health and environmental risks related to the use of hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent hromium is a chemical that has been used in numerous DoD weapons systems platforms due to its corrosion protection properties. owever, hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen. The final rule, codified in a new DFARS clause 252.223-7008, minimized the use f materials containing hexavalent chromium in items acquired by DoD. Shortly after the final rule was published, DoD became aware of a rafting oversight and the need to correct the text of final rule to reflect DoD's intent that the rule should apply to commercial items. his rule corrects that oversight

DoD published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 76 FR 71926 on November 21, 2011, to clarify the applicability to commercial items of DoD policies relating to the use of materials containing hexavalent chromium. One respondent submitted a public comment in response to the proposed rule.