Excess Defense Articles (EDA): Defense articles owned by the United States Government which are neither procured in anticipation of military assistance or sales requirements, nor procured pursuant to a military assistance or sales order.  EDA are items (except construction equipment) which are in excess of the Approved Force Acquisition Objective and Approved Force Retention Stock of all Department of Defense components at the time such articles are dropped from inventory by the supplying agency for delivery to countries or international organizations.  Poland currently has two Perry Class Frigates and 4 SH-2G Sea Sprite helicopters which were EDA equipment.  In 2008 Poland will begin to take delivery of 5 C-130E Cargo Aircraft.  These aircraft will be completely refurbished prior to delivery.     

The President is authorized to sell defense articles (via the FMS process) declared by the Military Department or Defense Agency to be in excess of requirements.  Prices range from five to fifty percent of original acquisition value, depending on the condition of the article. Additionally, the President is authorized to transfer EDA on a grant basis to eligible countries for which receipt of such articles was justified, usually in the annual Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations.  While EDA can be transferred at no cost, the recipient must typically pay for any transportation or repair charges (the items are bought where is and as is).  Under certain circumstances, the transportation charge can be waived, with the cost absorbed by the MILDEP.