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How long does it take to implement a Foreign Military Sales case after acceptance?

Updated 11 September 2026

After the purchaser signs and accepts, financial implementation is posted when the is received, and only then does the process .

How long does it take to implement a Foreign Military Sales case after acceptance?

Where the time goes at partner acceptance

To officially accept the case, the international partner must fill in the “purchaser provided information” at the bottom of the cover page, sign the case by the , and send signed copies to the and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Accounting in Indianapolis (DFAS–SCA). The international partner must also send the (as reflected on the ) to DFAS–SCA. Payment must be in U.S. dollars and may be paid via check or wire transfer. Distribution instructions are found in the following the .

Where the time goes at implementation

After receiving the , DFAS–SCA releases Obligation Authority (OA) to the cognizant . OA is forwarded via to the unique MILDEP management financial computer systems. The OA is evidence of proper case acceptance, including receipt of , and signals that the case may be implemented. OA is not money, but it provides financial authority allowing the case manager to implement the case. Upon receipt of OA, the may begin to incur obligations against the case (i.e., negotiate a contract, submit requisitions, schedule training, etc.). There is no standard metric or time frame for case implementation; however, it is generally accomplished within ten to fifteen days.

References

Drawn exclusively from publicly available authorities.

SAMM

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