Is GEM Unfair Competition?
Aftermarket Support There has been information circulated alleging the GEM program is unfairly competing against the IC industry, this statement could not be further from the truth. Here are the facts: DSCC makes every attempt to first obtain the original manufacturers’ devices when an original manufacturer is approved to supply the item. This process includes identifying residual pockets of product and working with aftermarket manufacturers. In 1997, the GEM program entered into an agreement with the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) meant to ensure the GEM program was not emulating circuit designs still supported through the IC industry. The agreement included provisions for notifying Industry whenever a new GEM emulation was being considered. This practice continues today and all responses are evaluated by the government to ensure that private industry has priority when it has demonstrated the capability to produce the device and are responsive to the government’s need.
