International Acquisition Cooperation

The Pentagon last month released the seventh edition of its "International Cooperation in Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Handbook." As the document's foreword states:

International Cooperation in Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (IC in AT&L) is a complicated business. Acquisition personnel considering IC in AT&L for their technology projects and acquisition programs must take into account a series of complex national and international interrelationships. While the business is complex, the rewards are great. IC in AT&L has the potential to significantly improve interoperability for coalition warfare, to leverage scarce program resources, and to obtain the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology from the global technology and industrial base. The International Cooperation in Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (IC in AT&L) Handbook satisfies the need for a straightforward, explanatory "road map" through this complex business.

This handbook is not in itself a policy document, but is based almost entirely upon laws, directives, instructions, manuals and other policy documents. It is an informed view of the current practices and procedures in this complex area. It was developed from inputs from many informed sources, primarily the Office of the Secretary of Defense: OUSD (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics)/International Cooperation and OUSD (Policy), Chief of Staff, Director, International Security Programs. A number of OUSD(AT&L) offices contributed: Defense Procurement & Acquisition Policy, Manufacturing & Industrial Base Policy, Research & Engineering, Logistics and Materiel Readiness and Nuclear & Chemical & Biological Programs. The Military Departments international program offices and the U.S. Mission NATO provided support for selected sections. Contract support with handbook integration, including checking and renewing links to the laws and policy documents referenced throughout, was provided by LMI – Government Consulting. This Handbook directs the reader to additional sources for assistance and information.

View the document.