FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 52: Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses › Subpart 52.2
FAR 52.204-2 Security Requirements.
The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.
In plain English
This clause applies when a contract involves access to classified information (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret). It requires the contractor to follow the Security Agreement (DD Form 441) and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, and to include similar terms in covered subcontracts. If the government changes security requirements, the contract may be adjusted or terminated under certain conditions.
Applies to: Contractors with contracts involving access to classified information
What it requires
- Comply with the Security Agreement (DD Form 441) and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (32 CFR part 117), including any revisions furnished to the contractor.
- Insert terms conforming substantially to this clause (excluding the Changes clause reference) in all subcontracts that involve access to classified information.
- If security requirements change and cause cost increases or decreases, the contract is subject to an equitable adjustment as if directed under the Changes clause.
- Under Alternate I, if a security change makes continued work impracticable, notify the Contracting Officer in writing and continue safeguarding classified material until resolution.
Key terms: classified information · Security Agreement (DD Form 441) · National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual · equitable adjustment · Changes clause
Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.
The text
As prescribed in 4.404(a), insert the following clause:
Security Requirements (MAR 2021)
(a) This clause applies to the extent that this contract involves access to information classified Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret.
(b) The Contractor shall comply with (1) the Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (32 CFR part 117), and (2) any revisions to that manual, notice of which has been furnished to the Contractor.
(c) If, subsequent to the date of this contract, the security classification or security requirements under this contract are changed by the Government and if the changes cause an increase or decrease in security costs or otherwise affect any other term or condition of this contract, the contract shall be subject to an equitable adjustment as if the changes were directed under the Changes clause of this contract.
(d) The Contractor agrees to insert terms that conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (d) but excluding any reference to the Changes clause of this contract, in all subcontracts under this contract that involve access to classified information.
(End of clause)
Alternate I (APR 1984). If a cost contract for research and development with an educational institution is contemplated, add the following paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) to the basic clause:
(e) If a change in security requirements, as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), results (1) in a change in the security classification of this contract or any of its elements from an unclassified status or a lower classification to a higher classification, or (2) in more restrictive area controls than previously required, the Contractor shall exert every reasonable effort compatible with the Contractor's established policies to continue the performance of work under the contract in compliance with the change in security classification or requirements. If, despite reasonable efforts, the Contractor determines that the continuation of work under this contract is not practicable because of the change in security classification or requirements, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing. Until resolution of the problem is made by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall continue safeguarding all classified material as required by this contract.
(f) After receiving the written notification, the Contracting Officer shall explore the circumstances surrounding the proposed change in security classification or requirements, and shall endeavor to work out a mutually satisfactory method whereby the Contractor can continue performance of the work under this contract.
(g) If, 15 days after receipt by the Contracting Officer of the notification of the Contractor's stated inability to proceed, (1) the application to this contract of the change in security classification or requirements has not been withdrawn or (2) a mutually satisfactory method for continuing performance of work under this contract has not been agreed upon, the Contractor may request the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract in whole or in part. The Contracting Officer shall terminate the contract in whole or in part, as may be appropriate, and the termination shall be deemed a termination under the terms of the Termination for the Convenience of the Government clause.
Alternate II (APR 1984). If employee identification is required for security or other reasons in a construction contract or architect-engineer contract, add the following paragraph (e) to the basic clause:
(e) The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing to each employee and for requiring each employee engaged on the work to display such identification as may be approved and directed by the Contracting Officer. All prescribed identification shall immediately be delivered to the Contracting Officer, for cancellation upon the release of any employee. When required by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall obtain and submit fingerprints of all persons employed or to be employed on the project.
Sections it refers to
- 4.404 Contract clause.
Sections that refer to it
← 52.204-1 Approval of Contract. · 52.204-3 Taxpayer identification. →
Rule changes for FAR Part 52
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Parts 8, 12, 13, 15, 38, 44, and 51 ↗ · proposed 2026-09-18 · comments due 2026-10-19
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 16, 17, and 35 ↗ · proposed 2026-09-18 · comments due 2026-10-19
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 9, 27, and 47 ↗ · proposed 2026-09-18 · comments due 2026-10-19
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 14, 28, 36, and 52 ↗ · proposed 2026-09-18 · comments due 2026-10-19
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 3 and 49 ↗ · proposed 2026-06-23 · comments due 2026-07-23
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 5, 24, and 29 ↗ · proposed 2026-06-23 · comments due 2026-07-23
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 6, 7, 10, 18, 26, 37, and 41 ↗ · proposed 2026-06-23 · comments due 2026-07-23
- Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 1, 2, 4, 33, 39, 40, and 53 ↗ · proposed 2026-06-23 · comments due 2026-07-23
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.