II.  Discussion and Analysis of the Public Comments

DoD reviewed the public comment in the development of the final rule, which is discussed as follows.

Comment: The respondent stated that requiring different standards for chromated defense products than are required of commercial products imposes a significant cost related to the need for additional training and wastes already limited factory space. The respondent also stated that bringing defense product finishes into line with commercial finishes without sacrificing performance and maintaining a single process should improve production, efficiency, and quality.

Response: This comment is out of scope as the rule does not modify the DoD policy relating to the use of hexavalent chromium, it only clarifies the applicability of the previously published final rule. As such, the respondent's concerns are misplaced because this rule does not create any new requirements for commercial products; it simply makes clear the scope of applicability of DFARS clause 252.223-7008.