Incorporated

Policy changes from this SAMM E-Change memo have been incorporated into the SAMM.

DoD Shield

DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
201 12th STREET SOUTH, STE 203
ARLINGTON, VA 22202-5408

3/15/2017

MEMORANDUM FOR :

COMMANDER, UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY FOR DEFENSE EXPORTS AND COOPERATION
DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AGENCY
DIRECTOR FOR SECURITY ASSISTANCE, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE - INDIANAPOLIS OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS INFORMATION SERVICE
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE REUTILIZATION AND MARKETING SERVICE
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY
DIRECTOR, NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR INFORMATION ASSURANCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

SUBJECT :

Letters of Request for Defense Articles and Services Managed by Special Operations Forces (Special Operations-Peculiar), DSCA Policy 16-35 [SAMM E-Change 317]

This policy memorandum updates the Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM) by identifying the procedures to be followed upon receipt of Letters of Request (LORs) and requests for information for defense articles, defense services, and/or training that are managed by the United States Special Operation Command (USSOCOM) (i.e., Special Operations-Peculiar (SO-P) defense items). The policy also defines the roles and responsibilities of Combatant Command Headquarters, USSOCOM, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), and the Implementing Agencies with regard to requests for information and LORs for SO-P defense articles, services, and/or training.

If you have any questions concerning this guidance, please contact Mr. Kent Bell, DSCA STR/SPI, eddie.k.bell.civ@mail.mil, (703) 697-9054.

J. W. Rixey
Vice Admiral, USN
Director

ATTACHMENT :
As stated

CC :

USAFRICOM
USCENTCOM
USEUCOM
USNORTHCOM
USSOUTHCOM
USPACOM
USTRANSCOM
USSOCOM
STATE/PM-RSAT
USASAC
SATFA
TRADOC
NAVSUPWSS
NETSAFA
AFSAC
AFSAT
DISCS
MARCORIP
SCETC
USCG International Affairs (G-CI)

Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM), E-Change 317

C5.1.3.4. LORs that include Defense Articles, Defense Services, and/or Training, managed by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), i.e., (Special Operations-Peculiar (SO-P) Defense Items). For definition of SO-P, see DoD Directive, 5100.03, "Support of the Headquarters of Combatant and Subordinate Unified Commands," (February 9, 2011): http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/510003p.pdf

C5.1.3.4.1. When the purchaser identifies any SO-P defense articles, services and/or training in an LOR or, should the SCO recognize SO-P defense articles, training and/or services when they are not identified by the purchaser in an LOR, the purchaser or SCO must submit the LOR directly to the DSCA Country Portfolio Director (CPD) for review and coordination with the DSCA Weapons Division, which will assign the LOR to the appropriate IA and coordinate with USSOCOM outlining USSOCOM's roles and responsibilities to the IA. DSCA will act as the arbiter, as necessary.

C5.1.3.4.2. USSOCOM J5 is the proponent for all security cooperation matters related to SO-P and/or service common capabilities with Special Operations Force interest. As the materiel developer and proponent for its unique platforms, systems, and/or sub-systems, USSOCOM J5 is responsible for the initiation of all technology security and foreign disclosure actions related to the potential export. The IAs are responsible for providing official responses to LORs or RFIs for SO-P defense articles, services and/or training. The IA will coordinate with USSOCOM J5 when developing an LOA to define requirements, to confirm releasability, and to gain approval for the release of price and availability of SO-P defense articles, services, and/or training. Close coordination between the IAs and USSOCOM on partners' requests for SO-P defense articles, training and/or services is essential.

C5.1.3.4.3. If USSOCOM receives an LOR from a source other than the DSCA CPD and/or DSCA Weapons Division, and determines that it includes SO-P defense articles, services and/or training, it must furnish a copy to the DSCA CPD as quickly as possible, but no later than seven days from receipt of the LOR. DSCA will process the LOR internally and assign it to the appropriate IA for action.

C5.1.3.4.4. USSOCOM must notify the DSCA Weapons Division when contacted directly by foreign government partners or U.S. defense industry requesting information for SO-P defense articles, services, and/or training for transfers via FMS. This notification requirement is intended to ensure that DSCA is aware of any pre-LOR activities that might result in an LOA, so as not to delay coordination with the appropriate IA and to manage the expectations of foreign partners regarding the status of their request. All pre-LOR discussions and RFI must be pre-coordinated with the applicable Security Cooperation Office, DSCA and Ias, as applicable.