Foreign Military Sales (FMS) is the U.S. Government’s program for transferring defense articles, services, and training to our international partners and international organizations. The FMS program is funded by administrative charges to foreign purchasers and is operated at no cost to taxpayers. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) administers the FMS program for the Department of Defense (DoD).
Under FMS, the U.S. Government uses DoD’s acquisition system to procure defense articles and services on behalf of its partners. Eligible countries may purchase defense articles and services with their own funds or with funds provided through U.S. Government-sponsored assistance programs.
In certain cases, defense articles may be obtained through grants or leases.
The President designates countries and international organizations eligible to participate in FMS. The Department of State approves individual programs on a case-by-case basis. Currently, some 189 countries and international organizations participate in FMS.
Yes. International partners may obtain U.S. defense articles and services through Direct Commercial Sales (DCS).
Under DCS rules, U.S. companies obtain commercial export licenses from the Department of State, allowing them to negotiate with, and sell directly to, our partners.
As with FMS, DCS are subject to applicable U.S. exports laws and regulations and the approval of the Department of State.
FMS and DCS are not in competition. Unless an item has been designated as “FMS only,” DoD is generally neutral as to whether countries purchase U.S. defense articles or services commercially or through FMS. If a purchaser requests FMS data after soliciting bids from contractors, the purchaser must demonstrate that commercial acquisition efforts have ceased before any FMS data will be provided. If the purchaser obtains FMS data and later determines to request a commercial price quote, the FMS offer may be withdrawn.
All sales of defense articles and services are subject to identical technology release reviews and determinations, re-transfer assurances, and congressional reviews (as applicable).
In general, FMS purchases can provide an international partner contract administrative services that may not be available through the private sector and may help lower unit costs by consolidating purchases for FMS customers with those of DoD.
Major FMS programs also nurture long-term relationships with the U.S. military, including access to joint training and doctrine and increased opportunities for interoperability with U.S. forces.
Under FMS, the customer is assured that the acquisition process will be subject to DoD’s standards through every step of the process.
Under DCS, our international partners work directly with U.S. companies. This allows our partners more direct involvement during contract negotiation.
Cost comparisons between FMS and DCS are often not possible, as the contracts are not identical. FMS uses the total package approach to its contracts. This means that an FMS buy for a major system includes training, spare parts, and other support needed to sustain a system through its first few years. DCS contracts may or may not include this in the initial pricing. Although it includes administrative charges, the FMS sale will always benefit from the economies of scale and experience the U.S. government has with a system.
Section 36 of the U.S. Arms Export Control Act requires Congressional notification for FMS or DCS sales expected to meet or exceed the following thresholds:
For North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries, South Korea, Australia, Japan, Israel, and New Zealand: major defense equipment (MDE) of $25M or more; any defense articles or services of $100M or more; or design and construction services of $300M or more.
For all other countries: MDE of $14M or more; any defense articles and services of $50M or more; or design and construction services of $200M or more.
For North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries and organizations, South Korea, Australia, Japan, Israel, and New Zealand there is a 15-day statutory notification period.
For all other countries there is a 30-day statutory notification period.
Nonrecurring costs (NCs) are those one-time costs incurred in support of previous research, development, or production of certain major defense equipment (see DoD Directive (DoDD) 2140.2: "Recoupment of Nonrecurring Costs (NCs) on Sales of U.S. Item). They are "sunk costs," in that the U.S. Government pays them to develop or produce a given defense article or weapons system specifically for the U.S. armed forces.
The Arms Export Control Act requires the Department of Defense to recover NCs for certain major defense equipment that is sold through the Foreign Military Sales system. The statute permits those costs to be waived under certain circumstances, such as to standardize equipment with other countries or to avoid a loss of sale.
DoD may waive NCs on FMS cases if:
For a detailed FMS overview, watch DSCA’s video describing the FMS process and how businesses can participate: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Video
For small- and medium-sized businesses interested in learning more about the steps they can take to participate in FMS: FMS Video for Small/Medium Businesses
The Security Assistance Management Manual (DSCA 5105.38-M) provides DoD-wide guidance on the management and implementation of DoD Security Assistance and Security Cooperation programs over which DSCA has responsibility.