Critical RiskFAREthics

52.204-2Security Requirements.

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.204-2 — Security Requirements.. This clause is part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and may be included in government contracts as a solicitation provision or contract clause.

Official Regulation Text

52.204-2 Security Requirements. As prescribed in 4.404(a), insert the following clause: Security Requirements (MAR 2021) (a) This clause applies to the extent that this contract involves access to information classified Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret. (b) The Contractor shall comply with (1) the Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (32 CFR part 117), and (2) any revisions to that manual, notice of which has been furnished to the Contractor. (c) If, subsequent to the date of this contract, the security classification or security requirements under this contract are changed by the Government and if the changes cause an increase or decrease in security costs or otherwise affect any other term or condition of this contract, the contract shall be subject to an equitable adjustment as if the changes were directed under the Changes clause of this contract. (d) The Contractor agrees to insert terms that conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (d) but excluding any reference to the Changes clause of this contract, in all subcontracts under this contract that involve access to classified information. (End of clause) Alternate I (APR 1984). If a cost contract for research and development with an educational institution is contemplated, add the following paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) to the basic clause: (e) If a change in security requirements, as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), results (1) in a change in the security classification of this contract or any of its elements from an unclassified status or a lower classification to a higher classification, or (2) in more restrictive area controls than previously required, the Contractor shall exert every reasonable effort compatible with the Contractor's established policies to continue the performance of work under the contract in compliance with the change in security classification or requirements. If, despite reasona

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.204-2 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.204-2)

Compliance Checklist

  • (b) The Contractor shall comply with (1) the Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (32 CFR part 117), and (2) any revisions to that manual, notice of which has been furnished to the Contractor.
  • (c) If, subsequent to the date of this contract, the security classification or security requirements under this contract are changed by the Government and if the changes cause an increase or decrease in security costs or otherwise affect any other term or condition of this contract, the contract shall be subject to an equitable adjustment as if the changes were directed under the Changes clause of this contract.
  • If a cost contract for research and development with an educational institution is contemplated, add the following paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) to the basic clause: (e) If a change in security requirements, as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), results (1) in a change in the security classification of this contract or any of its elements from an unclassified status or a lower classification to a higher classification, or (2) in more restrictive area controls than previously required, the Contractor shall exert every reasonable effort compatible with the Contractor's established policies to continue the performance of work under the contract in compliance with the change in security classification or requirements.
  • If, despite reasonable efforts, the Contractor determines that the continuation of work under this contract is not practicable because of the change in security classification or requirements, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing.
  • Until resolution of the problem is made by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall continue safeguarding all classified material as required by this contract.
  • (f) After receiving the written notification, the Contracting Officer shall explore the circumstances surrounding the proposed change in security classification or requirements, and shall endeavor to work out a mutually satisfactory method whereby the Contractor can continue performance of the work under this contract.
  • The Contracting Officer shall terminate the contract in whole or in part, as may be appropriate, and the termination shall be deemed a termination under the terms of the Termination for the Convenience of the Government clause.
  • If employee identification is required for security or other reasons in a construction contract or architect-engineer contract, add the following paragraph (e) to the basic clause: (e) The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing to each employee and for requiring each employee engaged on the work to display such identification as may be approved and directed by the Contracting Officer.
  • All prescribed identification shall immediately be delivered to the Contracting Officer, for cancellation upon the release of any employee.
  • When required by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall obtain and submit fingerprints of all persons employed or to be employed on the project.

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

Flow-down required

This clause must be included in subcontracts with no subcontractors where the subcontractor will perform work covered by this clause. Typically appears in contract Section Section I.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.