Tools
Does this sale need congressional notification?
Enter the purchaser and the values on a to see whether they meet a threshold for a Section 36(b)(1) congressional notification under the , and how long the formal review period runs.
Estimate only — the governs. The thresholds are statutory and change; the manual governs.
Result
Enter at least one value to see the result.
| Value | Threshold | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Major Defense Equipment | $25M | — |
| Any Articles, Services, or Both (Total Case Value) | $100M | — |
| Design and Construction Services | $300M | — |
This checks the Section 36(b)(1) thresholds for an , or an Amendment or Modification of a case not previously notified to Congress ( C5.7.3.1). Amendments and Modifications of cases already notified follow C5.7.3.2. Direct commercial sales are not covered.
Sources
- SAMM C5.T18 — Thresholds for 36(b) Congressional Notification
- SAMM C5.7.3.1 — 36(b)(1) Congressional Notifications
- SAMM C5.T23 — Formal Review Periods
- SAMM C5.7.6.4.2 — If Congress Does Not Adopt a Joint Resolution of Disapproval During Formal Review
- Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as amended, §36(b) (22 U.S.C. §2776(b))
Related guides
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
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
Arms Export Control Act (AECA)
The basic U.S. law providing the authority and general rules for the conduct of Foreign Military Sales and commercial sales of defense articles, defense services, and training. The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) came into existence with the passage of the Foreign Military Sales Act (FMSA) of 1968. An amendment in the International Security Assistance and AECA of 1976 changed the name of FMSA to the AECA.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
LOA — Letter of Offer and Acceptance
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
SAMM — Security Assistance Management Manual
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM) →