99 -- Security Clearances for Construction of New NATO Headquarters in Brussels

In connection with the construction of the new NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the Belgian Defense Ministry will enter into various major works contracts involving the most advanced modern construction techniques. Apart from the demolition contract, the works contracts involved will be subject to security constraints. Only firms that hold NATO SECRET security clearances can be selected as bidders and hence be awarded construction contracts. Candidate bidders must therefore prove that they hold a NATO SECRET clearance and that, if necessary, requests for renewal have been submitted as required by the national security authority in order to ensure the continuing validity of the clearance. The first bids for NATO Headquarters projects will be due in mid-2007. The Belgian Defense Ministry will not accept construction bids from companies without the proper security certification already in place. Most projects will require personnel clearances only; some project solicitations, however, will specify that a facility clearance is also required. As the process for obtaining a facility or personnel clearance can be lengthy (12 months estimated), U.S. firms without current facility and/or personnel clearances are encouraged to apply as soon as possible with the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office. PERSONNEL CLEARANCES A NATO Personnel Clearance Certificate is required for any contractor to negotiate or perform on a NATO classified contract or subcontract. U.S. contractor employees qualify for a NATO personnel clearance if they have an equivalent U.S. clearance and have been briefed on NATO procedures. The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) will provide the NATO Personnel Clearance Certificate to the requesting NATO command or agency. When a contractor becomes aware that a NATO Personnel Security Clearance Certificate is required, through a request for proposal (RFP) or other announcement, the contractor should contact the applicable Cognizant Security Office (CSO) for assistance in obtaining the necessary certificate. Upon determining that the requirements have been met, the CSO will request that DISCO forward the Certificate to the NATO contracting staff, command, or agency. DISCO will notify the contractor when the NATO Personnel Security Clearance Certificate has been issued. SUBCONTRACTORS Prior to awarding a subcontract, prior written approval must be obtained from the NATO contracting agency. Subcontractors must have the level of security clearance required for the nature of the work to be done and/or the place where it is to be carried out. In most cases a NATO SECRET clearance will be required. Subcontractor employees must possess the requisite level of personnel security clearance and must be briefed on NATO procedures. A NATO Personnel Security Clearance Certificate must be issued prior to award of the subcontract. The contractor may sponsor a prospective subcontractor for a NATO personnel clearance only after approval to subcontract has been obtained. For more information: NATO website - New NATO Headquarters: http://www.nato.int/structur/tenders/newhq3/index.htm Management of New NATO Permanent Headquarters Construction Project (Belgian Ministry of Defense - PDF document in English): http://www.mil.be/def/subject/index.asp?Lan=fr&ID=595 Defense Security Service http://www.dss.mil/ Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) 2780 Airport Drive Suite 400, Columbus, OH 43219-2268 Phone 614-827-1650 / Fax 614-692-1055