This month we're stepping back from large-scale system failures to look at an emerging issue for NASA and the aerospace industry: counterfeit components. Counterfeit components have created an increasing hazard at NASA, impacting project costs, performance and schedules and increasing the potential for mission failures. The attached view graphs present facts surrounding the counterfeiting of electronic components (i.e., circuit boards and computer chips) and inform us on the proliferation of illegal offshore production and international brokerage of non-compliant parts. As the new era of commercial spaceflight begins, NASA must use all available defenses to prevent acquisition or use of counterfeit components. This requires strict enforcement of compliance standards, verification testing, vigilant reporting and awareness of authorized suppliers. Although a challenging task in a globalized business environment, NASA must endeavor to assure quality while fostering technological innovation and set the example for commercial spaceflight programs that will undoubtedly encounter similar challenges.