Federal Contracting Acronym
FCL
Facility Clearance
Plain-English definition
A Facility Clearance (facility security clearance) authorizes a company to access classified information at a specified level at a cleared location. In federal practice, Facility Clearance connects to how contracting officers, program offices, and industry teams interpret requirements, document decisions, and execute awards. Authoritative context is typically found in DCSA materials and agency supplements where applicable. Contractors should trace how FCL appears in the specific solicitation or contract rather than assuming uniform usage across agencies.
Why it matters
Understanding Facility Clearance (FCL) reduces misalignment during proposal preparation, contract performance, and compliance reviews tied to compliance obligations.
Where you will see it
SAM.gov notices, contract clauses and attachments, DoD forms and supply systems when applicable, and internal capture or program management documentation.
Example in context
During a bid review, the capture lead notes FCL in the solicitation, assigns a subject-matter owner to confirm requirements, and records the decision in the compliance matrix.