Department of Defense Memorandum: Adoption of the ABA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

4. FACILITIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

Facilities in other countries for which the United States contributes a portion of the construction cost but does not control
design criteria (such as NATO-funded facilities) need not comply with these standards, but accessibility is recommended if obtainable. Facilities being constructed by or for use by the United States under the laws, codes, rules, and regulations of a host nation need not be accessible pursuant to U.S. law, but may need to comply with similar requirements of the host nation, as applicable international agreements provide. Likewise, facilities leased by the United States in other countries need not be accessible pursuant to U.S. law, but may need to comply with similar requirements of the host nation, as applicable international agreements provide. Nevertheless, in order to avoid applying different and lesser standards to DoD facilities located outside the United States, compliance with these DoD Standards should be sought in all instances to the fullest extent that is reasonable and practicable without degrading the facility's military utility.