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to complement the CRAFT process and should accelerate normal procedures and reduce the need to pursue more exceptional processes such as CRAFT.” W it h t he SDA F, DSC A ca n put orders for equipment they know to be in demand into the DoD acquisitions process before actually receiving a formal request. Because that process can be lengthy, already having the items in production or in a warehouse significantly decreases the response time once a request is made. ERGTs and SPSG help DSCA and others involved in various U.S. Security Cooperation and Security Assistance programs not only identify the most urgent needs of specific nations, but also how to expedite the approval and delivery process. As such, they both complement CRAFT and reduce the need to fully implement that process.
Various types of equipment and ammunition, including this Heavy Equipment Transporter, were delivered to Morocco on June 30, 2011, at the Casablanca Port as a result of two Excess Defense Articles Foreign Military Sales cases originating from U.S. Army Security Assistance Command.
DSCA created the SPSG to identify technology security issues early in the FMS process – potentially before a country submits a request. Once issues are identified, the SPSG notifies the Technology Security and Foreign Disclosure Office (TSFDO) to ensure issues receive expeditious handling by the Arms Transfer and Technology Release Senior Steering Group (ATTR SSG). According to the official DoD guidance document, SPSG “will consult
U.S. Army photo
and partners,” he wrote. “A systematic approach to anticipating partner nation requirements is the fundamental concept underpinning the CRAFT initiative … It is impossible, however, to forecast all partner capability requirements and unexpected, urgent requirements which will still arise – usually as a result of unplanned events or a fluid operational environment. Such requirements may demand an expeditious response on timelines that even significantly improved processes and procedures will be unable to meet. These requirements will require special measures. “CRAFT is intended to be used only in extraordinary circumstances, when conventional processes cannot deliver on time and delayed delivery is likely to cause a significant operational or strategic risk. The other recommendations identified within the SCRTF Report … are intended