DD Form 254,
Contract Security Classification Specification

DD Form 254 Fillable

The intention of a DD Form 254 is to convey security requirements, classification guidance and provide handling procedures for classified material received and/or generated on a classified contract. The DD Form 254 is a resource for providing security requirements and classification guidance to a contractor. The DD Form 254 is a U.S. publication referenced in the DFAR and applied to contracts involving access to classified information by U.S. contractors. If the contract is with non-US Industry (foreign governments, cleared foreign companies or international organizations) additional guidance is on a case-by-case basis. The Industrial Security Implementing Agreement (to the General Security of Military Information Agreement) is the overarching authority for the bilateral protection of classified information with foreign governments. Any guidance provided to contractors to explain protection requirements for classified information exchanged under bilateral agreements must be conveyed through security contract clauses, and not a DD Form 254.  

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires that a DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, be integrated in each classified contract. The DD Form 254 provides the contractor (or a subcontractor) security requirements and the classification guidance that is necessary to execute a classified contract.

DD Form 254 Handbook

The key personnel in the preparation of the DD Form 254 are the program and ISS, technical/subject matter expert personnel, and contracting personnel. The program and ISS recognizes the security requirements that the contractor will need to follow. The technical/subject matter expert personnel understand what information or equipment in the program requires protection, and the technical aspects of the requirements, the contracting office must ensure the contractor complies with the DD Form 254 and any special clauses into the contract. It is critical that the contracting office provide DSS with a copy of the DD Form 254 upon award of the contract.

The DD Form 254 is required to be reviewed every two years. The program and ISS should conduct this review in coordination with the program manager of the requiring activity and contracting office to ensure that existing security requirements are consistent with the contract requirements.  

If the review is performed and no changes are required, the program and ISS will provide the Contracting Office with a copy of the review. The Contracting Office will then send to the contractor, in writing, notification that the DD Form 254 remains valid until the next review or a change occurs in the program.  

If the review is performed and changes are required the program and ISS must provide the Contracting Office with a revised copy. The Contracting Office will then prepare a bi-lateral modification to the contract incorporating the new DD Form 254.

Revisions to the DD Form 254 will be completed whenever the security guidance or pertinent information changes, or when a change in mission occurs impacting the contract, to ensure security requirements remain current and relevant throughout the contract lifecycle. This includes contractor address changes if they are performing classified work at their facility.