U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls conducts WSU visit

The U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) had three site visitors at WSU on September 11 for a non-audit friendly site visit as part of the DDTC Company Visit Program (CVP). The visit stemmed from DDTC joining WSU and other higher education institutions at the Association of Export Control Officers (AUECO) conference in Indianapolis earlier this year in May. 

DDTC routinely conducts CVP visits to entities that engage in activities regulated under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to learn about their ITAR compliance programs and to share compliance best practices. In response to recent recommendations from the Government Accountability Office, DDTC is increasing its outreach to universities that conduct ITAR-controlled research. 

DDTC’s goal was to further their understanding of how different universities establish, maintain, and meet the challenges of complying with the ITAR. The visit was also an opportunity for us to ask DDTC questions about ITAR compliance, licensing, and policy. Topics included aspects of export controls, foreign influence, travel, commercialization, funding restrictions, research partnerships, deemed exports, and foreign national visitors. Researchers from FSAP, NSC, and MME were represented and partnering offices included Purchasing Services, International Programs, and Risk Management.

The visit went well and they complemented WSU on having a good program with a knowledgeable Export Control Officer. While we await a visit summary letter, the closeout meeting also gave us few best practices for improvement.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently reviewed the WSU Export Control policy and had similar observations and suggestions. Taken together with a recent external review, the WSU Export Control program rated well and the valuable feedback will be implemented to ensure we continue to have one of the best programs in the nation.