Tools
FMS case timeline estimator
Enter the date a went in, and the table dates each stage of the case against the targets and review periods the publishes. Where the manual sets no target, the table says so.
Estimate only — the governs. These are the manual's published targets and review periods, not a forecast for any one case.
Why real cases run longer: Why does FMS take so long?
The case
Stage by stage
| Stage | Published target | Source | Estimated date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-LOR — Requirements & Engagement | Not required. Comes before the start date. | Source— | Estimated date |
| Letter of Request Submission | The start date. | Source— | Estimated date— |
| LOR Assessment | No published target.Counted inside the case-development clock, which starts at LOR receipt for Category B.The manual encourages the Implementing Agency to follow up if an LOR is not actionable within 30 days of receipt, and sets no performance standard for that period. | Source | Estimated date— |
| Case Development / LOA Preparation | 85% of Category B documents within 100 days, from LOR Receipt to Offer. | Source | Estimated date— |
| Congressional Notification | Not applicable to this case, as entered. | Source— | Estimated date— |
| LOA Offered | A single action: the offer, where the case-development clock stops. | Source— | Estimated date— |
| Partner Acceptance | The Offer Expiration Date is normally 85 days from Military Department Approval (MILAP): 25 days of administrative processing before the offer, then 60 days of customer review. Countries approved a longer period are the exception; those periods are not public. | Source | Estimated date— |
| Implementation | No published target. | Source— | Estimated date— |
| Execution | No published target. | Source— | Estimated date— |
| Reconciliation & Closure | ACCP goal: close within 24 months of supply/services complete (36 months for training cases). | Source | Estimated date |
Total
Enter an LOR submission date to date the table.
Sources
- SAMM C5.T9 — Case Development Categories and Standards
- SAMM C5.2.5.2.2 — Letter of Request Actionable.
- SAMM C5.T22 — Tiered Review Periods
- SAMM C5.7 — Congressional Notification - Arms Export Control Act 36(b) for Security Assistance Programs.
- Security Assistance Management Manual, Figure C5.F11., Instructions for Preparing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (figure page)
- SAMM C16.3 — Closure.
Letter of Request (LOR)
The term used to identify a request from an eligible FMS participant country for the purchase of U.S. defense articles and services. The request may be in message or letter format.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM)
DSCA Manual 5105.38-M required under DoD Directive 5105.65, "Defense Security Cooperation Agency" mandatory for use by all DoD Components. The SAMM provides DoD-wide guidance to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Military Departments (MILDEPs), the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, the Security Cooperation Organizations (SCOs), and all other organizational entities within the DoD engaged in the management or implementation of DoD Security Assistance and Security Cooperation programs over which DSCA has responsibility.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
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)