The Basics of Government Facility Clearances

Government Facility Clearances

Having government facility clearances for a government contract involves a decision from a national security perspective, that a facility can be accessed for classified information. As a government contractor, you can be granted a government facility clearance for confidential, secret, or even at the Top Secret level.

• You must complete a DOD Security Agreement (DD form 441) to get a facility clearance.
• When granted government facility clearances, you then have to agree to comply with the terms and conditions of gaining access to the specific level of information.

What are Security Clearance Levels?

Government installation clearances can be issued by many several federal government agencies. They include the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy (DoE), the Department of Justice, and the Central Intelligence Agency. DoE clearances include the “L,” and “Q” levels. There are three levels of DOD security clearances:

• Confidential
• Secret
• Top Secret

Cost For Obtaining a Government Facility Clearance

Generally, there is no direct charge to government contractors to process a government facility clearance. However, you are responsible for costs associated with participation. CEOs that are not familiar with the process should seek counsel from an experienced government contracts attorney that is familiar with government facility clearances, the application process and how to minimize compliance violations.

• Costs may be different for each company.
• Look into the background of employees to see if there were previous problems.
• Get help early if there is an indication that you are violating regulations that govern facility clearances.
• Be careful when submitting a proposal that states you will be receiving your security clearance at a future date.

When submitting a proposal for a government contract, you want to make sure that you factor in your security requirements and any related costs for obtaining and compliance with government facility clearances.

For help with obtaining, or complying with your government facility clearance, call attorney at 1-866-601-5518.