XL EagleDCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency)
DCSA stands for Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is the DoD agency that runs background investigations for most of the federal government. It also oversees contractors that hold facility security clearances.
When a contract requires access to classified information, the company needs a facility clearance (FCL) and its workers need personnel clearances. DCSA processes and monitors both, but a company cannot apply on its own. A government agency or cleared contractor must sponsor it.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Most trade and supply work does not need a clearance at all. If a contract does, read the DD Form 254 attached to the solicitation and ask early whether the prime can sponsor you, because clearances take time. Do not pay anyone who promises to get you cleared.
Example
A security guard company bids as a subcontractor on a contract with classified areas. The cleared prime sponsors it for a facility clearance through DCSA before the work starts.
DCSA: common questions
Can I apply for a facility clearance myself?
No. A government contracting activity or a cleared contractor must sponsor you based on a real contract need. DCSA then processes the request.
Does DCSA do background checks for base access?
DCSA runs many federal background investigations. Simple base access for contractor workers is usually handled through the base's own access process.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →