At DCSA, we process, issue, and monitor the eligibility of clearances processes through Entity Vetting, Facility Clearances, and checking for Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI). Entities engaged in providing goods or services to the U.S. government involving access to or creation of classified information will have to first be approved through these three factors.

Clearance Processes Overview

Determinations by DCSA are often grouped into the following categories.

Facility Clearances

A Facility Clearance involves determining your eligibility to access classified information. Entities (including companies and academic institutions) engaged in providing goods or services to the U.S. government involving access to or creation of classified information may be granted a Facility Clearance (FCL). Mandated by the guidelines set forth in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) processes, issues, and monitors the continued eligibility of entities for an FCL. 

View Facility Clearance process information and resources

Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI)

Foreign investment can play an important role in maintaining the vitality of the U.S. industrial base. Therefore, it’s the policy of the U.S. Government to allow foreign investment consistent with the national security interest of the United States.

A company is considered to be operating under FOCI whenever a foreign interest has the power, direct or indirect, whether exercised, and whether exercisable, to direct or decide matters affecting the management or operations of that company in a manner which may result in unauthorized access to classified information or may adversely affect the performance of classified contracts.
 
View FOCI resources and frequently asked questions