Intel will invest $20 billion to build two new semiconductor fabs in Arizona in a bid to become a “major provider of foundry capacity” in the U.S. and Europe, the company said March 23. It plans to use its expanded foundry capacity to “serve the incredible global demand for semiconductor manufacturing” and to partner with IBM to better research and develop next-generation packaging technologies.

The State Department certified that the largest exporting and importing countries of certain precursor chemicals are complying with international rules surrounding illegal trade in drugs and other substances, a notice released March 24 said. The agency said China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom have taken steps to achieve full compliance with the 1988 U.N. Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Two Canadian companies recently announced plans to acquire U.S. businesses and are awaiting approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., according to their Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The filings were previously reported by Squire Patton.

The Bureau of Industry and Security is conducting an information collection related to a survey to assess the competitiveness of certain U.S. industries in the defense industrial base, a notice said. The survey will help BIS “develop policy alternatives to improve the international competitiveness” of those industries to “meet defense program needs.” Comments are due May 24.

The Bureau of Industry and Security is seeking comments on an information collection related to statements by the ultimate consignee and purchaser of U.S. exports, it said in a notice. The collection involves Form BIS-711, which provides information on the foreign importer receiving the U.S. technology and how the technology will be utilized, and “provides assurances” that the technology will not be used in violation of the Export Administration Regulations. Comments are due May 24.

The State Department approved a potential military sale to South Korea worth $36 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said March 19. The sale includes AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and related equipment. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin.

Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimonndo said she had a “productive” meeting with the Semiconductor Industry Association last week and agreed that the U.S. should push for “strong investments” in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. “Semiconductors are America’s fourth largest export, and critical to our economic competitiveness and national security,” Raimondo said in a March 19 statement, adding that the meeting with SIA’s board of directors is the beginning of an “ongoing dialogue” between Commerce and industry leaders. “[O]ver the years we have underinvested in production and hurt our innovative edge, while other countries have learned from our example and increased their investments in the industry,” Raimondo said. “As Secretary of Commerce, combatting the semiconductor shortage and investing in American manufacturing of semiconductor technology is going to be a priority of mine.”

The State Department approved four potential military sales, to the Netherlands, North Macedonia and Norway, worth about $561 million combined, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said March 16. The agency approved two sales to the Netherlands. One is for a “AH-64 Pilot Training and Logistics Support” and related equipment for about $190 million. The other sale includes $125 million worth of “CH-47 Pilot Training and Logistics Support” and related equipment. Neither sale contains a principal contractor.

The Bureau of Industry and Security is seeking comments on an information collection related to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s bidding process, a notice said. The information collection pertains to the process BIS must undergo to determine whether U.S. firms are eligible to participate in NATO’s bidding process and supply certain goods. BIS previously requested comments in January but said it is extending the comment period by 30 days. Comments are due by April 19.

The State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls “refreshed” information on its website related to Canada, including country policies and exemptions, DDTC said in a March 12 notice. The agency said it updated information surrounding the details of the Canadian exemption, “key Canadian partners,” Canada’s Controlled Goods Program, a Canadian exemption user guide and frequently asked questions.