Security requirements for bidding and contracting abroad

On this page

• Identify security requirements for international contracts
• Bid on classified solicitation requests from foreign governments
• Subcontract to foreign organizations
• Bid on Government of Canada solicitation requests with security requirements

Identify security requirements for international contracts

Security requirements are clauses written into government solicitation documents and contracts with private sector organizations. They specify what levels of security are required to safeguard sensitive information, assets and work sites.

Security requirements for international programs and projects may be listed in the:

• request for proposal
• contract security clauses
• Security requirements check list form (TBS/SCT 350-103)
• security aspects letter which includes the security requirements of the contract
• program or project security instructions which includes additional details of the security requirements of the international program or project

Bid on classified solicitation requests from foreign governments

Canadian organizations wanting to bid on classified solicitation requests from foreign countries, international organizations or to create partnerships with foreign suppliers must inform the Contract Security Program (CSP) of their intent by email: tpsgc.dgsssiprojetintl-dobissintlproject.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.

What to expect during the contracting process

Canadian organizations can expect a number of actions to occur during the following 3 phases of the contracting process.

Phase 1. Preparing to bid

The CSP will:

• help your organization understand foreign contract security requirements, and ensure they comply with the international bilateral security instrument in place with that country or international organization
• need to approve the anticipated release of Canadian classified information to foreign entities
• provide security screening once your organization is sponsored by the foreign national security authority (NSA), the designated security authority (DSA) or a Canadian approved source
• assist with any required exchange of classified solicitation documents, if required

Learn how to obtain security screening for your organization.

Phase 2. Prior to contract award

The foreign government or organization responsible for the contract will:

• contact the CSP to:
  • initiate appropriate security screening for your organization and employees
  • request, if required, foreign security assurance to confirm that your organization and employees are cleared to the appropriate level:
    • learn about requesting foreign security assurances
• issue foreign security clauses for the contract or subcontract

Phase 3. After contract award

Canadian organizations that have been awarded a foreign classified contract must send the security clauses to the CSP by email: tpsgc.ssilvers-isssrcl.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.

The CSP will:

• ensure the security requirements are in line with the international bilateral security instruments
• assess your organization's security plans
• process approvals for:
  • visits to secure sites and document transfers
  • program or project security instructions
  • secure electronic communications plans
  • the release of Canadian classified information to foreign entities
• ensure compliance

Subcontract to foreign organizations

Before subcontracting to a foreign organization, Canadian organizations must get written approval from the CSP by emailing a request: tpsgc.dgsssiprojetintl-dobissintlproject.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.

During the approval process, the CSP will:

• obtain foreign security assurances to verify the security status of the foreign organization and its personnel
• ensure compliance with the provisions of the bilateral security instrument between Canada and that country
• provide security clauses for the subcontract
• authorize the release of Canadian classified information to the foreign entity
• authorize the transfer of sensitive information to and from foreign organizations
• process approvals for visits to secure sites

Bid on Government of Canada solicitation requests with security requirements

Foreign organizations wanting to bid on Government of Canada solicitation requests with security requirements must contact their home country's national security authority (NSA) or designated security authority (DSA). These authorities are the government organizations responsible for contract security also known as “industrial security”.