Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification (Dd 254) What is the DD Form 254

Why is it needed?

Who prepares it?

What Information is Included in DD 254

Security

Guidance

Access to Classified Material

When does DD 254 become Official

Who signs off?

How long is it good for?

Where in FAR is DD 254 mentioned

What is the context?

DD 254 is needed for security clearance

It provides guidance needed by contractors working on a classified contract

The DD 254 is submitted by the contractor or sub-contractor for security clearance but who writes this document (the key personnel) "are the program and ISS, technical/subject matter expert personnel, and contracting personnel" (Industrial Security, n.d.). Essentially, it is a statement of work that must include the security needs noted on DD 254. According to AcqNotes (2015), the Form gives the aforementioned "the security requirements and classifications guidance that would be necessary to perform on a classified contract." Thus, the document is needed so as to provide information pertaining to the contractor or sub-contractor's position vis-a-vis the Department of Defense and to provide a sense of what is required. In fact, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) demands that DD 254 "be integrated in each classified contract" (Industrial Security,...

A description of the Actual Performance to be accomplished must be given (location, CAGE, and CSO) and also a general identification of this procurement.
Futhermore, the contractor/sub-contractor has to note what he will require access to -- anything from communications security information to restricted data to NATO information, etc. This step is undertaken by the technical personnel knowledgeable of what requires protection. At the same time, the contractor/sub-contractor is required to submit exactly what sort of information, access or requirements he will have/need, such as "access to classified information only at another contractor's facility or a government activity" or "be authorized to use the defense courier service," etc. (Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification, n.d.).

Finally, the contractor/sub-contractor is expected to acknowledge that no information related to the contract will be made public unless approved. Also, security guidance must be given.

The document is official once the program and ISS have passed it on to the Contracting Office along with their review. If no changes are necessary, the Contracting Office notifies the contractor/sub-contractor that the Form is valid (for two years or until…