United States Foreign Military Sales program and congressional notification processes

The United States (U.S.) government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program is a means for foreign allies and partners of the U.S., including Canada, to acquire defence articles, services, and training through government-to-government agreements. The FMS program is overseen by the Department of State and is managed and executed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Canada may secure industrial and technological benefits (depending on the value of the purchase and on whether the U.S. is negotiating commercial contracts on behalf of Canada). The U.S. government is not directly involved in the process of negotiating such benefits, but the U.S. government may need to approve the arrangements directly with U.S. suppliers through separate licenses.

Government of Canada purchases through the United States Foreign Military Sales program: Process and steps

Step 1: Letter of request

Step 2: The United States government works with suppliers to develop a proposal

Step 3: Congressional notification, where required

Step 4: Letter of offer and acceptance

Step 5: Responding to the letter of offer and acceptance

More information on the United States Foreign Military Sales program

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Date modified: