BIS is the focal point within the Department of Commerce for developing, promoting, and implementing policies that ensure a strong, technologically superior U.S. defense industrial base. Congressional mandates and executive orders provide BIS with unique authorities to manage these program responsibilities.
Defense Priorities and Allocations System
Program (DPAS)
BIS is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of industrial resources
to meet current national defense and emergency preparedness requirements with
minimal disruption to commercial activities. DPAS also provides an operating
system to support rapid industrial response in a national emergency.
Defense Trade Advocacy
BIS is the lead U.S. Government agency that can offer advocacy support to U.S. companies competing in the global defense market.
Selling to NATO - U.S. Company Certification
U.S. companies interested in selling to NATO must receive U.S. government
certification in order to qualify to bid on North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) Security Investment Program funded procurement opportunities here or
abroad. The associated forms, procedures, related NATO documents and contact
information are provided here.
U.S. Coast Guard Integrated
Deepwater System
BIS is partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard, and Integrated Coast Guard
Systems (Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) in promoting exports of Deepwater
assets internationally. Deepwater assets include ships, aircraft, helicopters,
and their sensors, and communications and logistics infrastructure.
Best Manufacturing Practices Program
The BMP Program is a unique partnership between BIS, the Department of
the Navy and the University of Maryland. BMP is a national resource that identifies
and promotes sharing of best practices being used in industry, government,
and academia.
Defense Industrial Capability
and Technology Assessments
BIS conducts industry analyses to asses capabilities of the U.S. industrial
base to support the national defense. Industry-specific surveys are used to
provide essential data for these comprehensive assessments.
Impact of Offsets in Defense Trade
Annual Reports and Information
BIS is responsible for monitoring the impact of offsets in defense trade
on the defense preparedness, industrial competitiveness, employment, and trade
of the United States and reporting annually to Congress. Offsets are forms
of compensation required by foreign governments in return for the purchase
of U.S. defense systems.
Investigations of the Effects
of Imports on National Security (Section 232 Reports)
At the request of industry, Congress, government agencies or individuals,
BIS investigates the effects of imports on national security. The final report
is completed within 270 days of initiation and is submitted to the President
for review and action.
Business and Technology Enhancement
Opportunities
This BIS initiative matches industry with government agencies and leading
national laboratories to access technology transfer, manufacturing enhancement,
and exporting resources. The goal is to increase the competitiveness of U.S.
industry in the global marketplace.
Defense Trade Resource Links
BIS provides a gateway to U.S. and foreign government web sites containing
information on defense trade and defense-related sales opportunities.
National Defense Stockpile Information
and Availability
BIS co-chairs the interagency national defense stockpile Market Impact
Committee (MIC). MIC provides advice to the Department of Defense on the economic
impact of national defense stockpile transactions.
SIES Address and Telephone Information