Section 889 prohibits the federal government from contracting with companies that use certain Chinese-made telecommunications and video surveillance equipment—even for their internal, non-government operations. For contractors, non-compliance can mean losing eligibility for federal awards. Here is what the rule covers and how to stay on the right side of it.
What is Section 889?
Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) restricts the use and procurement of “covered telecommunications equipment or services” from named companies—most notably Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua—and their subsidiaries and affiliates.
Section 889 Part A vs. Part B
- Part A prohibits the government from buying covered equipment or services from any contractor.
- Part B prohibits the government from contracting with any entity that uses covered equipment or services—regardless of whether it relates to the federal contract.
Part B is the broader and more challenging requirement, because it reaches into your own internal systems.
How do contractors comply with Section 889?
- Inventory your telecom, networking, and video surveillance equipment.
- Identify any covered equipment from prohibited manufacturers.
- Remove and replace covered equipment, or document an approved waiver.
- Complete the Section 889 representation in your SAM.gov registration.
How Section 889 relates to other compliance rules
Section 889 is one of several supply-chain and origin rules contractors must track—alongside Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance and cybersecurity initiatives like Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM). New to these terms? Our contracting glossary can help.
Frequently asked questions
Does Section 889 apply to small businesses?
Yes. Section 889 applies to all federal contractors regardless of size, including small businesses and GSA Schedule holders.
What equipment is banned under Section 889?
Telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua—plus their affiliates—are the primary covered items.
Need help confirming your compliance posture before bidding? Book a free discovery call. — Reviewed by the GSA Focus team.
