Guide
How long does it take to close a Foreign Military Sales case?
Every carries an estimated closure date, measured from final delivery or from the close of the longest underlying contract, and standard sets of inhibitors identify the conditions that keep a case from being certified and closed.
How long does it take to close a Foreign Military Sales case?
While closure is the final phase in the case life cycle, reconciliation should occur throughout the life of the case, starting with implementation. A single case can generate thousands of requisitions and procurement actions. Closing out all these transactions requires aggressive planning and continuous follow-up. Reconciliation can include the following:
- The financial and logistical actions that ensure proper accounting
- Accuracy and thoroughness of data
- Currency of schedules
- Timeliness and completeness of reporting
Case managers must reconcile cases at least annually. Case managers who defer reconciliation until the end of a case are setting themselves up for failure. Conversely, thorough and continuous reconciliation starting at implementation helps facilitate a successful case closure.
References
SAMM
- SAMM C16.3.3 — Estimated Case Closure Dates.
- SAMM C16.3.1.1.1.1 — Cases are Supply/Services Complete Following Final Delivery.
- SAMM C16.3.6 — Closure Inhibitors.
Related
Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA)
The legal instrument used by the USG to transfer itemized defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services to foreign partners.
When used under the authorities provided in the Arms Export Control Act for Foreign Military Sales, the LOA is a binding agreement signed by the USG and the foreign partner to transfer such articles and services.
When used under Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) authorities, the BPC LOA is not signed by the Benefitting Partner.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
LOA — Letter of Offer and Acceptance
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Foreign Military Sales Order (FMSO)
A term used to describe Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) that implement Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangements. Two LOAs are written: a FMSO I and a FMSO II.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Implementing Agency (IA)
The military department or defense agency responsible for the execution of military assistance programs. With respect to FMS, the military department or defense agency assigned responsibility by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to prepare an LOA and to implement an FMS case. The implementing agency is responsible for the overall management of the actions that will result in delivery of the materials or services set forth in the LOA that was accepted by a foreign country or international organization.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
FMS — Foreign Military Sale
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
SDR — Supply Discrepancy Report
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
DSCA — Defense Security Cooperation Agency
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) →