FTSS V Industry QA_84_06.02.21.docx

Industry Question #84:

Given that Joint Ventures (JVs) without an existing Facility Clearance (FCL) are not eligible for FTSS V MAC award (Industry Day Q&A 81 and 82), will the FTSS V Government Contracting Activity (GCA) sponsor a newly formed JV for an FCL prior to contract award?

Government’s Response:

The Government is not able to sponsor a newly formed JV for a security clearance prior to FTSS V MAC award. This is because the sponsorship process requires an awarded contract number. A solicitation number is not a valid contract for sponsorship, unless access to classified information is necessary during the solicitation phase, which is not applicable to the FTSS V MAC. However, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DSCA) FCL sponsorship process also contains procedures, which allow a cleared defense contracting company to sponsor another company. More information can be found at https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/ctp/fc/. Q&A #81 indicated that the majority of the FTSS V task orders (TOs) are at the Secret level, but TOs up to Top Secret are planned. After MAC award, the Government may consider sponsoring MAC awardees (with MAC CAGE code and company agreement) for the appropriate FCL beyond Secret. But, the current plan continues to be that an offeror (per CAGE code proposing) must possess at least a Secret Facility Clearance (FCL) for FTSS V MAC award since it reflects the preponderance of the FTSS V MAC Lot 1 and Lot 2 task order requirements.