FCL (Facility Clearance)
A Facility Clearance (FCL) is the authorization granted to a company that allows it to access, receive, and store classified information. Companies must have an FCL before they can sponsor employee security clearances or perform classified contract work.
Quick Facts
| Purpose | Authorize company for classified work |
| Granted by | DCSA |
| Requirement | Must have before sponsoring employee clearances |
| Levels | Confidential, Secret, Top Secret |
Why FCL Matters
For companies:
- Required to bid on classified contracts
- Required to sponsor employee clearances
- Enables classified program work
- Opens business opportunities
For employees:
- Your employer must have FCL to sponsor your clearance
- FCL level limits your potential clearance level
- Company FCL affects job opportunities
FCL Levels
| FCL Level | Allows Access To |
|---|---|
| Confidential | Confidential information |
| Secret | Secret and below |
| Top Secret | Top Secret and below |
The company's FCL level must meet or exceed the classification level of their contracts[1].
Obtaining an FCL
Companies apply through DCSA[2]:
Requirements:
- Sponsorship - Government agency or prime contractor sponsors
- Need - Must have or be pursuing classified contract
- Legal structure - Must meet organizational requirements
- Security plan - Document how classified will be protected
- Key personnel - Officers cleared and vetted
- Facility - Physical security measures in place
Process:
- Apply through NISS (National Industrial Security System)
- DCSA reviews application
- Security vulnerability assessment
- Key management personnel cleared
- FCL granted at appropriate level
Key Management Personnel (KMP)
Before FCL is granted, certain company officials must be cleared[1]:
- Senior management officials
- Facility Security Officer (FSO)
- Others with access to classified
These individuals undergo personal clearance investigations.
FCL Maintenance
Once granted, companies must[2]:
- Maintain security program per NISPOM
- Submit to DCSA inspections
- Report security incidents
- Update personnel clearance status
- Renew periodically
Failure to maintain standards can result in FCL revocation.
FOCI Considerations
Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI):
- Companies with foreign ownership face additional scrutiny
- May require mitigation measures
- Can affect FCL eligibility
- Special security agreements may be needed
FCL vs. PCL
| FCL | PCL |
|---|---|
| Company authorization | Individual authorization |
| Granted to organization | Granted to person |
| Required to sponsor PCLs | Requires FCL sponsor |
| Based on facility security | Based on background investigation |
Both are necessary - a company needs FCL to sponsor employees for PCL.
Impact on Employment
For job seekers:
- Check if potential employer has FCL
- FCL level limits clearance opportunities
- Smaller companies may lack FCL
- FCL status affects job security
Questions to ask:
- Does the company have an FCL?
- At what level?
- How stable is their cleared business?
Related
References
- ^ Facility Clearances. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-10.
- ^ DoD 5220.22-M: National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.