National Security Information Handbook

NSI Handbook
Industrial Security
3. Personnel Security Clearance (PCL) A PCL is an administrative determination that an
industrial employee is eligible for access to classified information. This
determination is based on an investigation and review of available personal data, and
a finding that access is clearly consistent with national interests. Contractors must
have clearances commensurate with the level of access required for performance
under the contract.
The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO), a field element of
DSS, issues personnel security clearances under the authority of the NISP, for
contractors
The contractor’s Facility Security Officer (FSO) must provide the COR with a
visit certification, which includes the reason for the visit and verification of the
employee’s clearance
The COR or the NSI Representative will verify the clearance with the NSI
Program Team and need-to-know before granting the contractor access to any
classified information
The contractor’s FSO is responsible for passing security clearances of contracted
employees for visits to other classified facilities
Section 4: Visits and Meetings
9-400 Visits and Meetings
1. Classified Visits The government employee hosting a meeting with contractors shall
ensure positive identification of visitors, appropriate PCL, and need-to-know prior to
the disclosure of any classified information. The host shall ensure that visitors are
only afforded access to classified information consistent with the purpose of the visit.
2. Clearance Verification The Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) is available
for verifying incoming contractor’s PCL; however, if the use of such a database is not
available, a Visitor Authorization Letter (VAL) may still be used.
9-5