Export Licensing Service and Information

The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) operates Export Licensing Service and Information (CFDA 11.150), an informational and advisory program that does not disburse grant awards but instead provides cost-free counseling and training to exporters on compliance with the Export Administration Regulations.

This program is fundamentally a service delivery program, not a grants program. BIS responds to inquiries from exporters by telephone, email, letter, and in person, and conducts seminars and outreach events to help the exporting community understand licensing requirements for dual-use and less sensitive military items (commodities, software, and technology). The program provides interpretation of Export Administration Regulations, guidance on when export licenses are required, and assistance with expedited license application handling. All instructional materials, including the full Export Administration Regulations text, are made available at no cost on the BIS website under the "New to Exporting?" and "Exporter Portal" sections.

Eligibility extends to any person, firm, organization, or branch of government seeking information or assistance on export control matters. There is no application process, no matching requirement, and no federal dollars flow to external recipients. BIS operates this program as a direct service function within the Department of Commerce.

Because this program does not award grants, cooperative agreements, or other assistance instruments to external recipients, it is not a viable pursuit for business development professionals seeking federal grant funding. Organizations seeking export compliance training or licensing guidance should contact BIS directly through the channels listed on www.bis.doc.gov; those seeking federal funding for export-related activities or research should evaluate other Commerce or SBA programs designed to disburse awards to external applicants.