What must the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls do upon receiving a significant contract for defense services?

When the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) receives significant contracts for defense services, it is required to notify Congress about these contracts. This requirement ensures that Congress is kept informed about defense-related transactions and is part of the broader oversight functions intended to maintain accountability and transparency in defense trade.

The notification enables Congress to evaluate the implications of the contract, such as its impact on national security or foreign relations. This responsibility is grounded in U.S. law that mandates congressional oversight over certain defense trade agreements to ensure they align with national interests and security policies.

While public announcements or performance reviews might be useful in a commercial context, they are not a regulatory requirement in this situation. Similarly, registering contracts with the Department of Commerce pertains more to dual-use items rather than the specific oversight needed for defense services. Thus, notifying Congress is the essential procedure in this context for maintaining legislative oversight.