Reliability Status

Reliability status is the lowest level of personnel security status under the Government of Canada’s Contract Security Program, administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). It is required before an employee of a supplier can access Protected A or Protected B information, assets or work sites on a federal contract — the typical screening level for IT, professional services and facilities work touching government-held data.

What it is

Per PSPC, reliability status is a personnel security status required before an employee can gain access to Protected A or Protected B information, assets or work sites. It is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, unless revoked or terminated. Security screening for reliability status requires a 5-year background check covering identity verification, criminal record check (fingerprints where required) and a credit check completed by a credit bureau with the employee’s consent. The assessment, set out in the Treasury Board Standard on Security Screening, evaluates an individual’s reliability and loyalty to Canada.

Who processes it

The supplier’s company security officer (CSO) or alternate company security officer (ACSO) conducts preliminary verifications, verifies the employee’s identity against the documentary-evidence standard, and submits the personnel security screening request to PSPC’s Contract Security Program (CSP). Contracting authorities document the required level in the security requirements checklist (SRCL) for the solicitation. Since October 4, 2021, a reliability status that was terminated can be reactivated if the individual again has a valid requirement to access protected information, assets or work sites.

Common questions

Reliability status vs security clearance — what’s the difference?

Reliability status covers protected (unclassified but sensitive) information and sites; a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) is required for classified information and is layered on top of reliability screening. An individual typically holds reliability status as the foundation before an upgrade to Secret. See industrial security clearance and Designated Organization Screening.

When must bidders hold screening?

PSPC has moved to a flexible approach: for PSPC-issued contracts, bidders are generally no longer required to hold clearances at bid closing — personnel must have the required status by contract award. If your staff are named as resources in a bid and must be screened at award, start the process early; see the SRCL.

Related definitions

Security Requirements Checklist (SRCL) · Industrial security clearance · Controlled Goods Program