Industrial security — preparing your company for a facility security clearance

A facility security clearance (first, second or third degree) is required whenever performing a contract involves access to classified information marked „confidential” or above. This applies, among others, to suppliers to the Ministry of National Defence or the Ministry of the Interior, participants in defence tenders and subcontractors on armament programmes.

The clearance is a document confirming that a business is capable of protecting classified information against unauthorised disclosure in connection with the performance of contracts or tasks.

Facility security clearances are issued by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) or the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) following proceedings that establish whether the business is capable of protecting classified information in various respects — financial, organisational and personnel-related. The proceedings include vetting of the company itself and background checks on the individuals who are to be granted access to classified information.

Industrial security proceedings take many months. Companies that begin preparing only after a tender has been announced usually run out of time. Putting classified information protection in order well in advance is a genuine competitive advantage in the defence procurement market.