Skip to content

 Confident in your compliance posture? Explore our CMMC Readiness Signal

How to Maintain a Facility Clearance

fullimage

FCL LEGAL SUPPORT SERVICES 

ISI delivers fast, affordable, and expert-driven legal support to secure and maintain your FCL.

Support with Facility Clearances


Maintaining an Facility Clearance (FCL) involves more than just initial approval; it requires ongoing diligence and compliance with DCSA regulations. As a follow up to our July 16, 2024, article, “A Guide to Obtaining a Facility Security Clearance,”this article provides key responsibilities and considerations in maintaining your FCL.

Maintaining an FCL
Obtaining an FCL is just the beginning. Facilities must continuously comply with security
requirements to maintain their clearance. Key responsibilities include:

  • Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVA): DCSA conducts periodic security reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.       
  • Training and Awareness: The FSO must provide initial and annual security training and awareness programs for cleared employees. The ITPSO must provide insider threat awareness training annually for cleared employees.
  • Reporting Requirements: The facility must report any security incidents, changes in ownership or control, and other relevant changes to the DCSA.
  • Personnel Security Clearances: The facility must manage personnel security clearances for employees who need access to classified information.

Key Considerations for maintaining an FCL

Key Management Personnel (KMP)

Three key KMP positions required by DCSA are the Senior Management Official (SMO), Facility Security Officer (FSO), and Insider Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO). DCSA defines the SMO as the entity employee with the highest decision-making authority, such as a President or Managing Member. The FSO and ITPSO must be a US citizen employee of the company. These three positions require the individual to have a Personnel Clearance (PCL). If not cleared at the time the FCL Package is submitted, DCSA will initiate a PCL investigation for them. The FCL would not be able to be issued until each KMP’s eligibility is issued.

Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI)

Facilities with significant foreign ownership, control, or influence may face additional scrutiny and requirements. DCSA assesses FOCI factors to determine if they pose a risk to national security. Mitigation measures, such as establishing a board resolution, special security agreement, or voting trust agreement, may be required.

 

FCL

SECURE AND MAINTAIN YOUR FCL WITH CONFIDENCE

Partner with ISI for expert, cost-effective legal and compliance support. Avoid delays, reduce costs, and move forward with a trusted advisor by your side.

checkmark_tealandcharcoalProven success rate – 99% client approval

checkmark_tealandcharcoal21 Day Average FCL Approval Time

checkmark_tealandcharcoalTop-tier FCL expertise at a fraction of law firm costs

checkmark_tealandcharcoalSupport that goes beyond obtaining a FCL

Schedule a Consultation

Compliance with Security Regulations

Facilities must adhere to all applicable security regulations, including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and other guidelines provided by the DCSA. Non-compliance can result in the suspension or revocation of the FCL.

Obtaining and maintaining a Facility Security Clearance is a complex process that requires
careful planning, rigorous adherence to security requirements, and ongoing commitment to protecting classified information. By understanding the steps involved and key considerations, facilities can navigate the FCL process successfully and contribute to national security efforts.

Learn more about our FCL services here!

Related Posts