USU faculty may collaborate with SDL on classified contracts if they obtain a security clearance and adhere to SDL’s policies and procedures for classified joint appointee efforts. USU faculty interested in collaborating with SDL on classified projects should:
- Review SDL’s strategic thrust areas and determine the best fit for your research.
- Communicate your desire to work with SDL by contacting a known POC or by filling out the following form to connect with a POC. Externally Funded Research Form
Designated POCs from SDL’s program management, contract management, and security teams will work with you throughout the process. SDL will issue subcontracts to USU per standard policies and procedures to ensure compliance with laws and agency regulations.
Please understand the following about classified research with SDL:
- SDL will manage the clearance process, provide security training, and be accountable for USU faculty in security compliance.
- SDL will ensure USU faculty engagement meets all security, IT, and contractual requirements by following SDL joint appointee policies and procedures. This includes secure space access and SDL-provided computer access.
- Proposals from USU can include all direct and indirect (overhead) cost, and fees (if applicable).
- SDL will send a subcontract with all applicable flow-down clauses to USU per SDL’s policies and procedures.
- USU faculty clearance level and status must be indicated in the proposal to SDL. If the USU faculty currently does not have a clearance, they can review the security pre-screening questions below to help determine eligibility for classified work before beginning the clearance process.
Security Pre-Screening Questions
The purpose of these questions is to assist in determining the acceptability of an individual for nomination and further processing for a position requiring access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). It is prescribed by DoD 5105.21-M-1, SCI Administrative Security Manual and DoD 5200.2R, Personnel Security Program. Eligibility for nomination to an SCI clearance will be decided by those authorities involved in processing a potential application for nomination to an SCI clearance.
- Are you now or have you ever been a member of any organization, associated with, or contributed to any movement or group that advocates the overthrow of the US government?
- Are you or have you ever been a dual citizen of the US and another country?
- Are any of your immediate family members not US citizens? (Immediate family members are spouse, cohabitant, parent(s), sibling(s), and children.)
- Do you or any immediate family members have foreign property or foreign financial interests?
- In the last seven years, have you experienced financial difficulties that resulted in bankruptcy, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment, judgement, or collection amounts?
- In the last seven years, have you been 180 days delinquent in any debt(s)?
- Are you currently 90 days delinquent on any debt(s)?
- In the last seven years, have you had any alcohol-related arrests, treatment, or counseling?
- Since the age of 16 or in the last seven years, whichever is shorter, have you illegally used, possessed, bought, sold, or transferred any narcotic, depressant, stimulant, hallucinogen, cannabis, or any other illegal drug or controlled substance?
- In the last seven years, have you consulted with a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, etc.)? Or have you consulted with another mental health care provider about a mental health-related condition?
- Have you ever been charged with or convicted of any felony offense?
- Are there any charges pending against you for any criminal offense(s)?
- Have you ever been the subject of an inquiry involving the loss or mishandling of classified information or material?
- Have you ever been denied a security clearance?
- In the past 10 years, have you traveled to a foreign country? If so, which countries and why?
- Do you have any close and continuous personal or business relationships with any non-US citizens?