For the majority of classified projects, an organization will not require a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) to respond to a solicitation. Upon award of a classified contract, the company can be sponsored for the FCL and an interim FCL can be requested. An interim FCL would allow the company to begin limited performance pending the issuance of the final FCL.

The following is taken from the Defense Security Services website:

  • “U.S. industry develops and produces the majority of our nation’s defense technology – much of which is classified and thus plays a significant role in creating and protecting the information that is vital to our nation’s security. The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry safeguards the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts.
  • Defense Security Services (DSS) administers the NISP on behalf of the Department of Defense and 30 other federal agencies. There are approximately 13,000 contractor facilities that are cleared for access to classified information.
  • To have access to U.S. classified information and participate in the NISP, a facility – a designated operating entity in private industry or at a college/university – must have a legitimate need for access to classified information (A DD 254 will come with each classified project solicitation which will list the need) in connection with a U.S. Government or foreign government requirement. Once this requirement has been established, a facility may be sponsored for a Facility Security Clearance.
  • In order to obtain the clearance, the contractor must execute a Defense Security Agreement which is a legally binding document that sets forth the responsibilities of both parties and obligates the contractor to abide by the security requirements of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual.”