Abstract: Supply Chain Risk Mitigation for Printed Circuit Boards By: Kathleen Nargi-Toth, Bowhead Professional Services, Brian Cohen, SAIC Supply chain risks for electronic hardware including printed circuit boards (PCB) has been well documented over the past least 3 decades. Examples of hardware manipulation exist throughout the electronic interconnect supply chain. There is a particular risk for PCBs used for national defense systems as PCBs are for defense use are essentially all custom products (except COTS). All PCBs designed for national defense systems are specifically included on the United States Munitions List (USML) and hence contain controlled unclassified information (CUI). PCBs are vulnerable to not only the unauthorized access of CUI and loss of confidentiality during deployment and operation, but also hardware tampering, introduction of counterfeit materials as well as issues related to quality management and loss of availability. These risks to the systems and missions dependent on hardware can result in a system compromise that would have significant impact on national defense responsiveness. DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5200.44 Protection of Mission Critical Functions to Achieve Trusted Systems and Networks (TSN), has provided a framework for the establishment of a trusted supply chain for the systems and in particular for electronics hardware. This paper focuses on concerns of trustworthiness within the PCB ecosystem including PCB design, fabrication, and assembly. It will highlight the current activities within the PCB supply chain related to risk mitigation and trust assurance, particularly the establishment of a trusted supplier accreditation process in collaboration with industry. Using examples and case studies, the information presented will clarify the risks and provide mitigation strategies to overcome current supply chain vulnerabilities.

Bio: Kathy Nargi-Toth serves as a senior engineer and subject matter expert for Bowhead Professional Services. In her current position she supports the DOD Executive Agent for Printed Circuit Board and Interconnect Technology. Prior to joining Bowhead, Ms. Nargi-Toth served in a number of managerial roles, as president for a printed circuit board manufacturing company and CTO for a supply chain management company. During her 40+ years of experience in the electronics industry, Ms. Nargi-Toth has worked in numerous technical positions, including process engineering and product development roles. Ms. Nargi-Toth holds a B. Sc. degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland Global Campus.