Meaning
Governance arrangements for companies with foreign ownership allow the entities to maintain security clearances while being part of an international corporate group. These security control agreements are used when a foreign parent does not have the power to elect a majority of the board but still has meaningful influence. The agreement protects classified information from unauthorized access by the foreign shareholder.
Strict Barrier
Strict physical and electronic walls prevent the flow of protected data to the parent company. All interaction between the foreign owners and the domestic cleared company is monitored under the rules of the security control agreements. This ensures that the foreign interest cannot direct the performance of classified contracts.
Cleared Composition
Cleared US citizens on the board act as independent trustees or directors. These members are tasked with the specific duty of ensuring the security control agreements are not violated. They must approve any communication that crosses the boundary between the parent and the subsidiary.
Defense Regulation
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency officials oversee the implementation of these measures across the industrial base. If a company fails to uphold the security control agreements, its facility security clearance is suspended. This action prevents the firm from bidding on or performing work for the Department of Defense.