The Marine Corps just updated its guidance on how IT purchases get reviewed and approved. Every command in the Total Force, including SMCR and IMA units, must now use the Information Technology Procurement Review and Approval System (ITPRAS) before spending a dollar on any IT hardware, software, or service. No exceptions, no workarounds. This consolidates and supersedes several older MARADMINs on the topic.
★ Affects all reservists: No IT purchase, including no-cost equipment loans, can go forward without ITPRAS approval first.
Who it affects
Every Marine Corps command and unit, Total Force. If you are a commander, XO, S-6, or anyone who touches IT procurement, this is for you. Reserve units are explicitly included.
What you need to do
If your unit is planning any IT purchase, follow these steps in order:
- Identify the gap. Write out the specific capability your unit lacks.
- Identify the solution. Pick a specific IT product or service that fills it.
- Get a vendor quote. The quote must explicitly state that each item is Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliant. No TAA statement, no go.
- Write the justification. In the ITPRAS "Justification Narrative," explain what the requirement is and how the purchase closes the gap. Stronger justifications reference Marine Corps strategy documents.
- Describe the impact of non-approval. In the "Impacts of Non-Approval" section, give a realistic operational assessment of what happens if the purchase is denied.
- Submit through ITPRAS. Approval must come before funds are obligated.
A few things worth knowing:
- TAA compliance matters. Products must be manufactured or substantially transformed in the U.S. or a designated partner country. Major compliant countries include Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and most of the EU. Major non-compliant countries include China, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, and Vietnam. Vendors must state compliance on their quote.
- Free equipment still requires ITPRAS. If a vendor offers equipment at no cost (a bailment agreement), it still goes through ITPRAS before it touches the network.
- Do not split requirements to get under the $50,000 threshold. Approval authority is delegated for purchases under $50,000, but breaking a larger requirement into smaller pieces to avoid the threshold is prohibited.
- Drones (sUAS) have extra restrictions. All drone purchases and components go through ITPRAS. Drones manufactured or assembled by covered Chinese entities are generally prohibited. A narrow exception exists for research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or counter-UAS purposes, but the ITPRAS submission must explicitly justify that use. Units planning domestic drone operations also need spectrum approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration or FCC, which is separate from ITPRAS but required for actual use.
Key dates
- Effective immediately (published 24 April 2026).
The official version
See MARADMIN 193/26 for the full text. The ITPR Process Guide (IRM 5236-05, dated 31 Oct 2024) governs detailed procedures. Questions go to the POCs at HQMC IC4: Maj G.S. Davis at gregory.davis@usmc.mil / 571-256-8817, or J.N. Sims (GS-14) at john.sims@usmc.mil / 703-571-6543.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.