Having the right clearance eligibility for a specific position is a critical part of the national security hiring process. A Secret clearance is not the same as a Top Secret/SCI. For contractors, specifically, with task orders that require them to fill positions with individuals possessing a very specific set of skills and abilities, clearance level matters.
That’s why some recruiters get confused with a well-intentioned Facility Security Officer (FSO) or Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) rep flags their job listings and says they need to remove the clearance designations because the listings violate a rule for companies about ‘advertising’ their facility security clearance.
The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) states: “A contractor will not use its favorable entity eligibility determination for advertising or promotional purposes. This does not prohibit the contractor from advertising employee positions that require a PCL in connection with the position.” (emphasis added)
Those trying to keep contractors from listing clearances appear to be reading one sentence without the other. Enough companies have noted the confusion guidance for DCSA to offer clarification in their most recent Voice of Industry Newsletter.
Listing clearance level on jobs descriptions or positions isn’t advertising clearance level. Contractors ARE permitted to advertise employee positions requiring a clearance and list that clearance.
If your company decides to take out a Superbowl ad to advertise their FCL in some other way – let me know.
