Defense Production Act

Under authority of the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 and related
executive Order 12656, the Commerce Department is charged with identifying
critical defense-related industries, assessing their capability to meet
peacetime and national security needs, identifying current and potential
production constraints, and proposing remedial actions as appropriate.
Title I of the DPA requires that:
(a) contracts or orders relating to certain approved defense and energy
programs be accepted and performed on a preferential basis over all other
contracts and orders and (b) materials, facilities, and services be
allocated in such a manner as to promote approved programs.