Defence: Small Businesses
Commons · Question 124579 · Tabled 10 Apr 2026 · Ministry of Defence · Official record
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Question
Asked by Steve Barclay
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, the average time taken for an SME to obtain security clearance to (a) bid for and (b) deliver a defence contract.
Answer
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones, 20 Apr 2026
In most instances, it is not necessary for a company or individual to hold security clearance prior to commencing the bidding process for a government contract. Should access to sensitive information or assets be required either during the bidding phase o...