24. Must the main contractor seek compensation from its subcontractor at the highest possible level within the framework of the specific tender specifications? No, it is a waste of resources. The subcontractor must be released at the lowest acceptable level that allows him to carry out the work. Secret FCL and PCL require much less time and resources than top-secret FCL and PCL. Therefore, the execution of the contract can begin as soon as possible. Sponsoring unknown subcontractors for top secret FCLs, when not absolutely necessary, is a waste and imposes an unreasonable burden on the U.S. government and results in significant delays in contracts. To be eligible for these grants, you must first be a landowner under the Heritage Agreement. Find out if you are eligible for an agreement. 3. Why do some purchases issued by the State Department require a contractor to have an FCL? Essentially, if personnel working for a contractor need access to classified information in the performance of their duties, the contractor must have a CFL and personnel must have Personnel Security Clearances (PCAs). Therefore: 2.

Does the Department of Foreign Affairs issue CFLs to entrepreneurs? No. The State Department is a user agency of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), which is administered by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), formerly the Defense Security Service (DSS). The DCSA issues FCLs (as well as personnel security clearances) to most contractors who work for the State Department. 1. What is a Facility Security Clearance (FCL)? A CFL is a decision made by the government that a contractor has the right to access classified information. 26. Can joint ventures obtain FCLs? If a joint venture is selected to award a classified contract, it can be sponsored for a CFL. Keep in mind that if the contract is with a joint venture, the joint venture itself must be treated for an FCL, even if all partners in the joint venture are approved. The DCSA will determine the KMP of a joint venture based on a review of the joint venture agreement. The joint venture must be granted the required FCL prior to performance of the contract.

For more information on joint ventures, visit www.dss.mil`s (Defense Security Service Small Business Guide – Facility Clearance Process). 9. Is there a pre-test to determine the likelihood that the successful supplier will receive a CFL? No. There is no informal or preliminary assessment procedure for the likelihood that the successful supplier will be eligible for FCL authorization. Under section 23 of the Indigenous Heritage Act, 1988, it is a criminal offence to damage, disturb or disturb an Indigenous site, object or remainder without the authorization of the Prime Minister as Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation. Early collaboration with relevant traditional owners or RSRF will be encouraged to ensure that projects are planned in a manner that minimizes the risk of damage to Indigenous heritage. Applications for authorisation under §§ 21 and § 23 may be submitted to the Prime Minister with a local cultural heritage agreement with a RARB. If you find skeletal remains, you must stop any work that could affect them, you must not disturb them further and call the police at 131 444.

The police will determine if these are remains of Indigenous ancestors and, if so, you will need to contact us to take appropriate action. 19. Which office decides the amount of approval for an upcoming purchase? The initial requirement is proposed by the Program Office because it is the subject matter expert and is best placed to testify whether access to classified information is necessary for the performance of the contract and what level of access (secret or top secret) is required. The Programme Office then works with A/OPE/AQM and Diplomatic Security (DS/IS/IND), who ensure that the EDT/contract documentation accurately reflects the security screening requirements of the facility and personnel for contract performance. Properties identified as Heritage Agreement areas in the registered agreement or plan may be subject to a reduced assessment and subsequent reduction of certain rates and taxes. The discount is based on the State Appraisal Office`s real estate assessments and varies from property to property in the state. 25. How do consultants, personal services contractors and “1099s” obtain CFLs? This is not the case. Authorized contractors may process individual consultants for personnel security reviews if the consultant and his immediate family are the sole owners of a business unit and the consultant is the only one who needs access to classified information. Details of this issue should be submitted to the contractor`s DCSA Industrial Security Specialist to ensure they meet current requirements.

12. What are the elements of a CFL? An FCL is a version of the business unit. There are three main elements of a CFL: 18. What are the FCL requirements considerations during the acquisition planning phase at the U.S. Department of State? If even an employee of a contractor needs access to classified information during the performance of a contract (and, as such, must have a security clearance for personnel), the contract is considered a classified contract and the contractor must have the appropriate FCL to perform the contract….