Counterfeit Prevention

Counterfeit microcircuits are an ever-increasing threat to complex weapon systems. When microcircuits are no longer available from the original manufacturer, or its authorized distributors, parts may only be available on the gray market. At this point the supply chain is susceptible to the insertion of counterfeit parts with limited part provenance. Counterfeits can include unauthorized copies, upscaled (misrepresented), and recycled (used) parts.

As a fully integrated component manufacturer with in-house design, layout, wafer fabrication, electrical and reliability testing, SRI’s GEM program is a long-term source for military grade microcircuits, including over 1,000 standard military drawing part numbers. Using the Emulation programs avoids purchasing microcircuits on the gray market and eliminates the threat of counterfeit parts. The Emulation programs offer an on-demand manufacturing capability, with parts designed and manufactured on-shore in a Category 1A Trusted Foundry. All parts are designed and manufactured to the customer’s procurement specification, such as a Source Control Drawings (SCD), or Military Specifications (Standard Military Drawing or slash sheet), in a Trusted, DLA QML-Q accredited facility. This guarantees full traceability through the entire life of the part.

The GEM Program accounts for every microcircuit it manufactures and sells.  Every GEM part order delivery is accompanied by a Certificate of Conformance. GEM parts may only be used by the U.S. military system(s) identified at the time purchase order acceptance. Use in any other system is not allowed unless approved by DLA. GEM parts are available through SRI International or DLA. For any sales through a third-party distributor the end user must be identified and approved by DLA and all parts must be delivered to the end customer. All parts sales are approved by DLA.