If federal money or a federal contract is involved in your radio purchase, you need NDAA-compliant radios. In practice, that means checking that the radios, and anything built into them, don't come from the companies named in Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. This guide explains who has to follow the rule, what to check, and how to ask your dealer for compliant radios. We're a radio dealer, not a law firm, so run the final call by your procurement or legal team.
What NDAA Section 889 actually says
Section 889 of the FY2019 NDAA stops federal agencies from buying certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from named Chinese companies. The list includes Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua, along with their subsidiaries and affiliates.
Hytera is the name that matters most in two-way radio, because it makes land mobile radios. For Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua, the ban applies to equipment used for public safety, security of government facilities, and similar national security purposes. That's squarely where P25 radios live.
The rule came in two steps. Federal agencies themselves were restricted from August 2019. From August 13, 2020, the restriction reached federal contractors and people spending federal grant and loan money.
Who has to follow it?
You're covered if any of these apply:
- You're a federal agency buying radios
- You hold a federal contract and use covered equipment while doing the work
- You're paying for the radios with federal grant or loan funds, such as a fire or public-safety grant
That last one catches a lot of local departments by surprise. If a federal award is paying for your radios, federal grant rules bar you from spending that money on covered equipment, and those grant restrictions can't be waived. A department that buys with only local funds and has no federal contracts may not be bound by the rule. Even then, many agencies choose compliant radios to keep their options open later.
What to check before you buy
- Know your funding source. Find out whether federal grant money or a federal contract touches the purchase.
- Check the manufacturer. Make sure it isn't one of the named companies or a subsidiary or affiliate of one.
- Look past the radio. The rule can also reach systems that use covered equipment as a substantial or essential part, so ask about the whole setup, not just the handheld.
- Get it in writing. Ask your dealer to confirm the exact model and configuration is NDAA-compliant, and keep that confirmation with your purchase file.
- Check what you already own. If you hold federal contracts, existing equipment matters too.
Rules and guidance get updated, so confirm the current requirements with your grant officer or contracting office before you commit.
Are all P25 radios NDAA-compliant?
No. P25 is a standard, and radios from many manufacturers follow it. Compliance depends on who made the radio and how it's configured, not on the P25 label. Most radios from the brands we carry (BK Technologies, L3Harris, Tait, and Motorola) offer NDAA-compliant configurations, but the exact SKU matters. That's why we ask you to flag NDAA when you request a quote, and we confirm the right model and configuration for you.
If you're still comparing radio types, our guide on how to choose the best P25 radio for public safety is a good starting point, and you can browse our P25 radios by brand.
How to ask for NDAA-compliant radios
It's simple. When you send a request for quote, include:
- The radios you're considering, and your quantity
- A note that you need NDAA-compliant models
- Whether federal grant money or a federal contract is involved
We reply within one business day with the compliant SKU and pricing. Qualified agencies can pay on a purchase order with Net 30 terms, and our page on how agencies buy covers contract vehicles and the full process. You can also read about our compliance and certifications.
Frequently asked questions
1. What does NDAA-compliant mean for a two-way radio?
It means the radio isn't covered equipment under Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It must not be manufactured by the restricted companies or their subsidiaries and affiliates. Federal agencies, federal contractors, and recipients of certain federal grants need to consider these requirements when purchasing communications equipment.
2. Which two-way radio brands offer NDAA-compliant P25 radios?
Brands such as L3Harris, BK Technologies, and Tait offer P25 radio options that agencies can evaluate for NDAA compliance. Always verify the specific model, manufacturer, and applicable compliance documentation before purchasing.
3. Are all P25 radios automatically NDAA-compliant?
No. P25 is a public safety communication standard, not an NDAA compliance certification. A radio can support P25 digital communication without automatically meeting Section 889 requirements. Agencies should verify the manufacturer and equipment details before ordering.
4. How can an agency verify whether a P25 radio is NDAA-compliant?
Agencies should review the manufacturer's compliance declaration, equipment model, supply chain information, and applicable Section 889 requirements. Request written confirmation from the supplier before placing a purchase order, especially for government-funded projects.
5. Can government agencies purchase NDAA-compliant P25 radios in bulk?
Yes. Government agencies, fire departments, police departments, and other public safety organizations can request bulk quotes for NDAA-compliant P25 radios. New London Technology can help with radio selection, agency-specific programming, compatible accessories, and purchasing requirements.
Not sure whether your purchase needs NDAA-compliant radios? Call us at (434) 525-0068, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM ET, or email info@newlondontech.com.
