Group Advocates for Hardware Bill of Materials

The Institute for Security and Technology is pushing for a standardized hardware documentation process to enhance grid security.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Semiconductors

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stacked copper transformer core, symbolizing the standardization of critical electrical grid components. — The Institute for Security and Technology is advocating for a standardized Hardware Bill of Materials to improve security for the national power grid. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government mandate standardized transparency for hardware components used in the national power grid?

The Institute for Security and Technology is advocating for a multistakeholder process to develop a Hardware Bill of Materials. This effort aligns with federal initiatives to protect the national bulk power system.

Why it matters

Establishing a Hardware Bill of Materials supports national security interests by identifying components within critical power infrastructure. This visibility is essential for compliance with new federal directives aimed at securing the electrical grid.

The initiative follows an August 2026 executive order directing the Department of Energy to restrict certain foreign transactions in the bulk power sector. The agency is currently analyzing data collected from a request for information issued on September 9.

The players

Institute for Security and Technology

This non-profit organization works to solve complex security challenges through collaborative research and policy development.

Department of Energy

This cabinet-level federal agency is responsible for overseeing the energy policy and nuclear safety of the United States.

The details

The Institute for Security and Technology suggests that a collaborative multistakeholder process is the most effective path toward reaching consensus on hardware reporting standards. The Department of Energy is currently leveraging this feedback to implement security protocols for bulk power systems.

August 2026: President issued executive order on bulk power systems.
August 26, 2026: DOE received direction to prohibit certain foreign transactions.
September 9, 2026: DOE issued a request for information.

The Tech Race

This move represents an evolution toward deeper supply chain transparency for critical national infrastructure. It builds upon the August 2026 executive order on securing bulk power systems by setting new industry standards for hardware accountability.

While the initiative primarily targets industrial equipment suppliers, it serves as a precursor to more rigorous cybersecurity requirements for the energy sector. These changes aim to enhance the reliability of the national power grid for all users.

The takeaway

Developing a standardized hardware ledger is a critical step in modernizing the security of American power infrastructure. Organizations should begin monitoring regulatory requirements to ensure their hardware components meet emerging federal documentation standards.