RE:HPFor my two cents worth as a former contract procurement type -- I would think that any "sizeable" order would come with a phased delivery schedule and associated progress payments. The user would need time to do the roll-out in any event. It doesn't happen over night and the time line would likely be over several months. And, as Sox says, a firm PO in hand is almost as good as gold at the bank. Then there are things like the Export Development Bank of Canada which could be tapped to aid in helping a Canadian company along the path to making a sale to the US Govt. Lots of different options but it is all pie in the sky stuff until the fat lady sings!
Phili2