Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security (SIES)
SIES is responsible for several defense trade and industrial policy programs as well as policy, licensing, and compliance activities for 600 series items.
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Office overview and responsibilities
The Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security (SIES) is responsible for several defense trade and industry policy programs, including the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) regulation, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and offsets in defense trade. SIES operates as a vital component in safeguarding U.S. national security and maintaining the strength of the defense industrial base. Its administration of the DPAS regulation helps ensure that contracts and orders supporting national security programs receive priority scheduling and delivery. Its involvement in interagency and international programs reflects a commitment to collaboration on a broader scale.
Notably, SIES plays a pivotal role in coordinating the Bureau of Industry and Security's participation in key interagency committees, including CFIUS, where strategic decisions are made to safeguard national security arising from foreign investments into and acquisitions of U.S. businesses. SIES works closely with interagency partners on programs such as Excess Defense Articles, international cooperative agreements, offsets in defense trade, and defense trade advocacy.
SIES represents BIS interests at NATO, serving as the U.S. representative on the NATO Energy Planning Group, which supports NATO’s Resilience Committee. Additionally, the office qualifies U.S. businesses to bid on NATO contracts. In essence, this office's multifaceted responsibilities underscore its integral role in shaping and fortifying U.S. economic and security interests on both domestic and international fronts.
Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
DPAS
The goal of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the DPAS as well as provide a guide for applying the DPAS to contracts and purchase orders. As a result of the SAT increase, U.S. firms are not required to place a priority rating on an order of less than $125,000 (one half of the revised the SAT of $250,000), as this amount is greater than $75,000.
Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS)
GSA Deviation to CAAC Letter 2018-02
Department of Defense, Defense Production Act Title
Offsets in Defense Trade
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) prepares an annual report to Congress on the impact of offsets in defense trade pursuant to section 723 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended.
Industrial Base Assessments
The Office of Technology Evaluation (OTE) utilizes its unique designated authority to conduct surveys and assessments of defense-related technologies, and to monitor economic and trade issues vital to the U.S. industrial base as specified in congressional mandates and executive orders. OTE’s capabilities are leveraged through partnerships with a wide range of defense and civilian federal agencies, industry associations, state and local governments, and universities.
OTE conducts primary research and analysis of critical technologies and industrial capabilities of key defense-related sectors. The office uses industry-specific surveys to obtain essential employment, financial, production, research and development, export control, and other data – information unavailable from any other source.
Learn more about Industrial Base Assessments
Section 232 Investigations
A Section 232 investigation is conducted under the authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the effect of imports on the national security. Investigations may be initiated based on an application from an interested party, a request from the head of any department or agency, or may be self-initiated by the Secretary of Commerce.
The Secretary’s report to the President, prepared within 270 days of initiation, focuses on whether the importation of the article in question is in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security. The President can concur or not with the Secretary’s recommendations, and take action to “adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives” or other non-trade related actions as deemed necessary.
Learn more about Section 232 Investigations
Additional SIES Programs
NATO-Related Business Opportunities
Excess Defense Articles Program
Office leadership
Katherine Reid
Director, Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security
John Isbell
Director, SIES Investment Security Division (ISD)
Stephen Astle
Director, Defense Industrial Base Division (DIB)
Submit an inquiry
For optimal guidance on BIS rules and regulations, we strongly recommend getting in touch with our team of export counselors. Our committed staff is at your service from Monday to Friday, dedicated to assisting you in achieving compliance and simplifying the intricate realm of exports.
Contact the Office of Strategic Industries & Economic Security