NATO classification levels
NATO uses four main levels: NATO RESTRICTED, NATO CONFIDENTIAL, NATO SECRET and COSMIC TOP SECRET. There is also NATO UNCLASSIFIED, which is not classified but is still intended for official use only. The higher the level, the stricter the requirements on facilities, IT systems and personnel.
Facility Security Clearance (FSC)
If a procurement involves handling classified information, the bidder needs a Facility Security Clearance. It is granted through the national security authority and applies to a specific classification level. It covers physical security, IT protection, personnel reliability and transparency of ownership.
Personnel security clearances
Only people with an appropriate personnel security clearance and a justified need-to-know may handle classified information. In practice the project team must be named and cleared before work starts, which affects both resourcing and schedules.
Other eligibility requirements
- an NCAGE code and registration in the buyer's portal
- establishment in a NATO member or approved partner nation
- financial soundness and compliance with tax obligations
- a quality system, typically ISO 9001 or an AQAP standard
- compliance with export control and sanctions rules
- references from comparable deliveries
What this means in practice
Clearances take time, so preparation should start before an interesting tender is open. Many procurements are also unclassified – those are considerably easier to join.
How Salpa helps
Salpa states in every summary whether a notice requires a security clearance or is open procurement. You see immediately which competitions you can enter today and which require advance preparation.