The U.S. government has announced an email alert system that will help its Supply Chain Disruption Task Force coordinate resources to mitigate the global chip shortage. The the U.S. Department of Commerce is calling on companies and manufacturers to voluntarily share information regarding any new or ongoing Covid-related shutdown or disruption to microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing facilities and their related supply chains around the world. 

Information gathered will be used to assess potential disruptions, enhance engagement with foreign governments, and work to reopen critical microelectronics and semiconductor facilities, according to a statement.

“It is crucial to strengthen our supply chains, and to do so we need to hear directly from impacted businesses when they are experiencing a Covid-related semiconductor supply chain disruption,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We encourage companies anywhere along the semiconductor supply chain to use this tool and request they provide as much detail as possible so we can help minimize disruptions.”

The commerce department says it will review submissions on a rolling basis and will follow up with parties as needed. The Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force is led by the secretaries of commerce, transportation and agriculture.