The Department of Defense has issued a final rule that amends the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement by implementing requirements for minimizing the use of materials containing hexavalent chromium in items acquired by DoD. Hexavalent chromium is a chemical that has been used in numerous DoD weapons systems and platforms due to its corrosion protection properties, but it is a known carcinogen. The DFARS Case 2009-D004 final rule codifies an April 8, 2009, memorandum issued by the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) addressing the serious human health and environmental risks related to the use of hexavalent chromium. The memorandum directed DoD personnel to certify that no acceptable alternative exists before using any material containing hexavalent chromium on a new system and directed the Defense Acquisition Regulation Council to develop a clause for defense contracts that prohibits the use of materials containing hexavalent chromium in all future procurements unless specifically approved by the government.