How much funding can be received?

Companies can access the largest defence procurement market in the world. Get guidance from contracting experts to navigate, submit bids and compete in the highly regulated U.S. government procurement systems.

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grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$38,000

Halifax

Negotiate a contract for providing cybersecurity solutions to the US government

$30,000

Ottawa

Conduct due diligence for an aerospace defense contract

$40,000

Vancouver

Perform technical due diligence for a defense technology prototype

$35,000

Calgary

Prepare a proposal for US Army logistics and supply chain management

$45,000

Toronto

Develop a contract proposal for a US Department of Defense project

$30,000

Montreal

Submit a bid for a US Navy procurement contract

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service involves specific criteria related to Canadian businesses seeking to engage with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The company must be a Canadian business with goods and services that are of interest to the U.S. military.
There must be an opportunity to sell directly to the U.S. Department of Defense.
The sales lead must have a value of more than USD $250,000, though exceptions exist for projects valued less if requested by the buyer or supplier.
The company should have financial statements for the last two financial year ends.
A two-year track record of sales is necessary.
Companies must comply with obtaining a DUNS number, NCAGE code, and register in SAM.
Certification in the Joint Certification Program is required to handle controlled unclassified information or militarily critical technical data.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Canadian businesses with goods and services of interest to the U.S. military, opportunities to sell directly to the U.S. Department of Defense, and a sales lead valued at more than USD $250,000 can apply to utilize the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service. Both large and small Canadian companies, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are eligible to participate. The companies must have experience selling directly to military organizations, a strategy to grow in military markets, a contract opportunity with the DoD, and maintain financial statements for the last two financial year ends and a two-year track record of sales.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include costs related to procurement processes, integrity compliance, technical, managerial, and financial due diligence, proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract performance, and export challenges.

Procurement process costs
Integrity compliance expenses
Technical, managerial, and financial due diligence fees
Proposal preparation costs
Contract negotiation expenses
Contract performance-related expenditures
Export challenges costs

grant_single_labels|criteria

Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include:

Experience selling directly to U.S. military or other militaries
A growth strategy that prioritizes selling to military organizations
A contract opportunity to sell directly to the U.S. Department of Defence
Financial statements for the last two financial year ends
Two-year track record of sales

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service:

Step 1: Preliminary Requirements
- Obtain a DUNS number and NCAGE code.
- Register in the System for Award Management (SAM).
Step 2: Identify Opportunities
- Utilize the Global Bid Opportunity Finder to search for suitable opportunities.
- Contact CCC to discuss potential leads and opportunities.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Proposal
- Prepare a detailed proposal including technical, managerial, and financial information.
- Ensure compliance with integrity and security requirements as advised by CCC.
- Submit the proposal to the U.S. DoD buyer and copy CCC.
Step 4: Review and Negotiation
- CCC reviews due diligence information and conducts a price evaluation with Public Services and Procurement Canada.
- Negotiate contract terms between the Canadian supplier and the U.S. DoD buyer.
Step 5: Finalize Contract
- CCC manages the contractual process and financial administration.
- Ensure delivery of goods and services to the U.S. DoD buyer as per contract terms.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for Canadian businesses applying for opportunities with the U.S. DoD through the DPSA:

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) serves as the prime contractor for contracts greater than USD $250,000, ensuring Canadian businesses are treated as domestic suppliers.
Canadian suppliers must undertake necessary registrations such as obtaining a DUNS number, NCAGE code, and registering in SAM to submit proposals.
Cybersecurity requirements under the Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will be mandatory, ensuring controlled unclassified information (CUI) is protected.
The Canada-U.S. Defence Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA) exempts Canadian businesses from certain Buy American provisions.
Access to the Global Bid Opportunity Finder (GBOF) facilitates searching for international tendering opportunities.
CCC offers no-cost participation for approved opportunities with the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service.
CCC provides assurance of contract performance, simplifying U.S. government contracts for Canadian suppliers.
U.S. DoD buyers benefit from the CCC’s risk reduction measures through thorough due diligence on Canadian suppliers.
Guidance on handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through the Joint Certification Program is provided for Canadian and U.S. contractors.

grant_single_labels|documents

CCC — U.S. DoD Prime Contractor

Apply to this program

Elevate Your Business with the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor Service

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) offers a unique opportunity for Canadian businesses to expand their markets through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Prime Contractor service. This initiative allows Canadian companies to access U.S. military procurement markets with the same opportunities as U.S. firms, underlining the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Defence Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA).

In-Depth Understanding of the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor Service

The U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service is a critical component of fostering robust Canada-U.S. economic and security relations. Managed by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), this service enables Canadian companies to participate in U.S. military procurements in a manner that positions them as domestic suppliers, thanks to the Canada-U.S. Defence Production Sharing Agreement. This agreement, dating back to 1956, establishes Canada as a preferred partner, sidestepping the usual constraints imposed on international suppliers under U.S. "Buy American" provisions.

One of the most significant benefits of this service is the equal footing it provides to Canadian businesses. By treating these companies as domestic suppliers, the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service allows Canadian businesses to present their proposals with the same credibility as local U.S. firms. This is critically important in the competitive bidding environment of defense procurement, which often involves lengthy and intricate submission processes that are otherwise challenging for foreign entities.

CCC plays a pivotal role in simplifying these complexities. It offers comprehensive support throughout the bidding process—from interpreting tender documents and ensuring proposals meet all necessary stipulations, to conducting thorough due diligence reviews. CCC's involvement extends to verifying that Canadian suppliers meet all integrity, technical, managerial, and financial requirements. This backing not only increases the credibility of Canadian bids but also provides the U.S. DoD with assurances of contracted performance, ultimately broadening supply bases and reducing procurement risks.

Financial transparency is another cornerstone of the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service. CCC ensures that the pricing of supplied goods and services adheres to Government of Canada Cost and Profit Policy, which subsequently reduces the administrative burden of complying with U.S. cost and accounting standards. This helps Canadian businesses streamline their financial reporting, making it easier for U.S. DoD buyers to evaluate proposals and facilitating a smoother contract administration process.

The service is not limited to large corporations. On the contrary, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have also significantly benefited. In recent fiscal years, substantial contracts have been awarded to Canadian SMEs, showcasing the inclusive nature of this initiative. The support extends beyond traditional military goods to include non-military supplies essential for various operational needs of the U.S. military, such as medical equipment and construction supplies.

Furthermore, CCC acts as a liaison between Canadian suppliers and U.S. military buyers, fulfilling roles typically held by entities like the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). This active engagement reduces the administrative workload for U.S. buyers and ensures seamless contract performance, aligning with strategic objectives of both countries to strengthen defense cooperation.

In summary, the U.S. DoD Prime Contractor service is a robust mechanism for Canadian businesses eager to penetrate and thrive in the U.S. defense market. It offers a strategic avenue for economic growth, helps sustain valuable Canadian jobs, and fortifies the bilateral relationship with the United States, fostering a stable and prosperous defense industrial base. This service, therefore, is an invaluable resource for companies aiming to grow internationally while contributing positively to national strategic goals.