Bid directlyGPA countries
GPA countries and development bank tenders with English-language bids. You carry registration, translation, bid security and local tax yourself.
Learn · Selling abroad
The work isn't only in the U.S.
Allied governments buy the same training, consulting, IT, logistics and equipment that Washington does, often with far fewer bidders. A U.S. company can compete. Four sets of rules apply: the buyer's procurement law, U.S. export controls, U.S. anti-bribery law, and sanctions.
Start here
- Read the eligibility clause firstIt says who can bid; if U.S. firms are not eligible, stop there.
- Register on the portalArticles of organization, good standing, tax registration; see the worldwide guide.
- Pick your way inDirect, sub to a local prime, a local entity, or an agent.
- Vet every partnerAgents carry the highest bribery risk; screen them.
Where a U.S. company can compete 5 markets
Market
Can you bid?
Trade agreement countriesEU, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Israel, Singapore, Taiwan, Ukraine and others
Yes. Parties to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement must treat U.S. suppliers like their own for covered agencies and contracts above the thresholds. Defense items are usually excluded; services, IT and most civilian buying are covered.
Free trade agreement partnersMexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru and others
Usually. U.S. free trade agreements have procurement chapters that open covered contracts to U.S. firms.
Development bank projectsWorld Bank, ADB, AfDB, IDB, EBRD
Yes. Projects they finance are open to member countries, and the U.S. is a member of all. The main way into India, Pakistan, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Everyone elseIndia, Pakistan, Brazil, the Gulf states, much of Africa and Asia
Case by case. Many tenders are open to foreign firms, but local preference is common; India runs global tenders mainly for large buys. A local partner is common; check each market.
U.S.-funded work overseas
Yes, and the easiest start. Embassies, bases and USAID-type programs post on SAM.gov.
Four ways in Pick one
Sub to a local primeFirst contract
Your first contract in a country; the prime handles the local rules. Lower margin, and you depend on the prime's relationship.
Local subsidiary or branchLong term
Markets you will bid in for years, or where the buyer requires a local entity. Cost, local accounting, U.S. tax filings for a foreign company.
Agent or distributorHighest risk
Selling products, and countries that require a local agent. Highest bribery risk; agents must be vetted.
The rest of this guideCore
- Your first foreign bid, step by step
- U.S. rules you must not break
- Vetting an agent or partner
- Free and low-cost U.S. government help
- Country quick notes
General information, not legal, tax or export-compliance advice. Talk to a qualified adviser before your first foreign bid. Sources: WTO GPA, Advocacy Center, DOJ FCPA, OFAC, BIS anti-boycott, Consolidated Screening List, EXIM.