Facility Security Clearance (FCL) & Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) Flashcards

Under 32 CFR Part 117, what is a Facility Security Clearance (FCL)?

Answer: An administrative determination that an entity is eligible for access to classified information at the same or lower classification level

An FCL is an administrative eligibility determination for the entity, not a storage or personnel approval.

Which party can sponsor a company for an FCL?

Answer: A Government Contracting Activity or a cleared contractor with a legitimate need

Entities cannot self-sponsor; a GCA or cleared prime contractor must sponsor based on a bona fide classified procurement need.

Which key management personnel must always be cleared to the level of the FCL?

Answer: The SMO, FSO, and ITPSO

32 CFR 117.9 requires the senior management official, FSO, and insider threat program senior official to be cleared at the FCL level.

What form does a company execute with the government that documents its security responsibilities when the FCL is granted?

Answer: DD Form 441, Security Agreement

The DD Form 441 is the security agreement between the cleared entity and the government.

Which system does DCSA use to process and record FCL information for cleared industry?

Answer: NISS

The National Industrial Security System (NISS) is DCSA's system of record for facility clearances.

A parent company owns a subsidiary that needs a Secret FCL. What is generally required of the parent?

Answer: The parent must hold an FCL at the same or higher level, or be formally excluded from access

The parent must be cleared at the same or higher level as the subsidiary or be excluded via board action.

Which form is used to collect information about a company's foreign interests during FCL processing?

Answer: SF 328, Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests

The SF 328 is the certificate used to identify foreign ownership, control, or influence.