The U.S. Department of Commerce coordinates the use of U.S. Government resources and authority in order to level the playing field by advocating on behalf of U.S. business interests as they compete against foreign firms for specific international contracts or other U.S. export opportunities.

The International Trade Administration’s Advocacy Center is the defense industry’s point of contact for requesting defense trade advocacy.  All requests for U.S. Government advocacy assistance for defense-related projects should be submitted to the Advocacy Center.

The Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security reviews all defense advocacy requests submitted to the Advocacy Center to determine whether the request is consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives.

Further information on the Advocacy Center’s activities and procedures can be obtained from its website.