Tools
Draft a Letter of Request
Work through the 's own checklist, one item at a time, and get a complete letter to copy, print or download as a Word document. Nothing you type leaves this page.
Estimate only — the governs. The letter asks; the 's response, and in the end the , sets what is offered.
What the manual says about the letter's form
“Although no specific format is required for an LOR, it must be in writing and partner nations are strongly encouraged to work with SCOs to ensure LORs address the items identified using the Generic Letter of Request Checklist in Figure C5.F3.”
“If the request is received during a meeting or conference, the minutes should document the request and be signed by an appropriate purchaser representative.”
A can be as informal as signed meeting notes, or a signed note on a napkin. This template is one good way to write one, not the only way: the manual requires a signed written request, not a format.
Step 1 of 10 · Figure C5.F3 items 11, 1–3
The request
About this step, and the manual units it rests on
Every field in this part is one item of the manual's checklists, in the order the manual lists them: the Generic Checklist (Figure C5.F3) first, then the submission guidelines (Table C5.T2) and the actionable criteria (Table C5.T4A) it does not repeat. Each field carries the item's own words and its number.
Sources
- SAMM C5.1.1
- SAMM C5.2.1 — Letter of Request Format and Information Requirements
- SAMM C5.2.1.1
- SAMM C5.2.2 — Letter of Request Submission Procedures
- SAMM C5.2.2.1 — Letters of Request Submitted by Electronic Mail
- SAMM C5.2.2.2 — Non-Significant Military Equipment Requests
- SAMM C5.2.2.3 — Significant Military Equipment and Major Defense Equipment Requests
- SAMM C5.2.2.4 — Letters of Request Funded with Foreign Military Financing
- SAMM C5.2.3.1 — Exceptions
- SAMM Table C5.T2 — Letter of Request Submissions Guidelines
- SAMM Figure C5.F3 — Generic Letter of Request Checklist
- SAMM Table C5.T3A — Military Department Organizations Authorized to Receive Letters of Request
- SAMM Table C5.T3B — Other Department of Defense Implementing Agencies Authorized to Receive Letters of Request
- SAMM Table C5.T4A — Mandatory Criteria Before Letter of Request Actionable (Before Case Development Activities)
- SAMM C5.4 — Rough Order of Magnitude Pricing
- SAMM C5.4.1 — Definition
- SAMM C5.5.1 — Definition
- SAMM Figure C5.F10 — Letter of Offer and Acceptance Information
- SAMM C9.8 — Letters of Offer and Acceptance - Terms of Sale
- SAMM Table C9.T11 — Terms of Sale
- SAMM Figure C5.F8 — Sample Letter of Offer and Acceptance
- SAMM Figure C9.F8 — Special Billing Arrangement Sample Agreement
Related guides
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 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)
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
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)