Cleared Contractor
A cleared contractor is an individual who holds a security clearance while employed by a private company (rather than directly by the government). Cleared contractors work on government contracts that require access to classified information.
Quick Facts
| Employer | Private company, not government |
| Clearance sponsor | The contractor company |
| Work | Government contracts requiring clearance |
| Oversight | DCSA industrial security |
How Contractor Clearances Work
The contractor model[1]:
- Company obtains FCL - Facility Clearance from DCSA
- Contract requires clearance - Government contract specifies need
- Company sponsors employee - Requests clearance for worker
- Investigation conducted - DCSA investigates individual
- Access granted - Employee can work on classified contract
Your clearance is tied to your employer's sponsorship and their facility clearance.
Contractor vs. Government Employee
| Aspect | Contractor | Government Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Private company | Federal government |
| Benefits | Company benefits | Federal benefits |
| Clearance sponsor | Contractor company | Agency |
| Job security | Contract-dependent | Generally more stable |
| Salary | Often higher | GS scale |
| Career path | Varies by company | Government ladder |
Requirements to Be a Cleared Contractor
You need:
- Employer with facility clearance
- Position on contract requiring clearance
- Eligibility for clearance (citizenship, background)
- Completed investigation and adjudication
Your employer needs:
- Facility Clearance (FCL) at appropriate level
- Government contract requiring cleared work
- Ability to sponsor your clearance
The FSO Role
Your company's Facility Security Officer (FSO)[2]:
- Manages company's security program
- Sponsors employee clearances
- Ensures compliance with NISPOM
- Submits clearance requests
- Coordinates with DCSA
- Handles security incidents
Your FSO is your primary contact for clearance matters.
Working as a Cleared Contractor
Day-to-day:
- Work on specific government contracts
- Follow security procedures
- Report to company management
- May work at government sites
Security obligations:
- Same as government employees
- Self-reporting requirements
- Foreign travel notifications
- Continuous evaluation applies
Changing Contractor Jobs
When switching to a new contractor[3]:
- New company must have appropriate FCL
- New company sponsors your clearance
- Transfer process (not new investigation)
- May have gap in access during transition
Job Security Considerations
Contractor employment depends on:
- Contract continuation
- Company winning recompetes
- Funding availability
- Position requirements
Contracts end and are rebid - cleared contractors often move between companies.
Industry Sectors
Common sectors employing cleared contractors:
- Aerospace and defense
- Information technology
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering services
- Intelligence support
- Research and development
Related
References
- ^ DoD 5220.22-M: National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ Facility Clearances. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-10.
- ^ Security Clearance Process: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Congressional Research Service. Accessed 2026-01-10.