Individuals security clearance

The aim of the security clearance procedure for an individual person is to check that this person may have access to classified information without any risk, firstly to the security of such information, and secondly to him- or herself because of the fact of having clearance.

Clearance of the legal entity oft he company is a pre-requisite for clearance of any of the company’s personnel which must always be the result of a justifiable need for access to protected information or material.

1/ Putting together the clearance application file

This file must be put together at the time of the first clearance application, for renewal of clearance and for an extension of clearance.

For each member of personnel that requires clearance, the companies clearance officer shall ensure that:

  the person concerned completes 3 individual notices (notices individuelles) 94/A (Mle 01/IGI 1300), accompanied by 3 recent ID photos (the security officer must complete the uppermost section of Page 1 of this notice);

  the contracting company (in the case of a subcontractor) or the contracting authority and the security officer himself or herself shall complete 3 clearance applications, Notice 83/B (IP 2500 DEF/DR dated 27/11/84).

2/ Examination of the clearance application file

The security officer shall send:

  to the DPSD: 3 individual notices (notice individuelle) 94/A and a clearance application (demande d’habilitation) 83/B,

  to the clearance authority: a copy of the individual notice (notice individuelle) 94/A and of the clearance application form 83/B.

The clearance authority, based on the security notice issued by the DPSD for each member of personnel, shall decide whether to grant or refuse clearance and shall inform the company of its decision.

3/ Security clearance validity

Defence Confidential or NATO Confidential clearance is valid for a maximum period of 10 years. Defence Secret or NATO Secret clearance is valid for a maximum period of 5 years.

The term of validity for clearance is subject to there being no change in the conditions that led to clearance being approved.

NB: Clearance approval may, if necessary, be subject to specific restrictions (limited in time or limited to a specific contract, etc.)