Requirements for obtaining an FCL

The facility clearance is required to be in place prior to the contractor performing on classified work. After the GCA or prime contractor submits the sponsorship letter, the company can begin the process of applying for the clearance. A contractor has to meet five requirements before it can be processed for an FCL.

• Be Sponsored
• Sign Department of Defense Security Agreement
• Complete a Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests
• Provide Organization Credentials
• Identify Key Management Personnel clearances

Sponsorship-A company cannot apply for a security clearance for business development purposes or to be more competitive. The security clearance process begins with a need which is supported by a legitimate U.S. Government or foreign government requirement and the classified contract will be offered to meet that need.

Department of Defense Security Agreement (DD Form 441)-A security agreement is signed between the US Government and defense contractor. This agreement is legally binding and designates responsibilities of each party to follow procedures established by NISPOM.

Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests (SF 328)-Cleared contractors are evaluated to determine whether or not they fall under Foreign Ownership Control or Influence (FOCI) and to what degree.

Organization-the enterprise must be in good business standings and have a history of demonstrating a good reputation and ethical business practices. The company should prove that they are structured and a legal entity under the laws of the United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico and have a physical location in the United States or territories.

Key Management Personnel (KMP)-These are management or senior leaders who influence decisions regarding classified contracts. KMPs can be members of the board of directors, vice-presidents, directors
or other upper level managers. Also, neither the company nor key managers can be barred from participating in U.S. Government contracts.



Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing Red Bike Publishing . Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook", "ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual", and NISPOM/FSO Training" See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership, The Ranger Handbook, The Army Physical Readiness Manual, Drill and Ceremonies, The ITAR,and The NISPOM