L3TOP SECRET
Level 3 DISP: cleared for TOP SECRET
Level 3 expands the project scope significantly in resources, cost and timeline. We help you decide whether it is right for you, then deliver it to Defence's highest standards.
Designation
Clears information up to
TOP SECRET
- Profile
- Access to projects of the highest sensitivity, for seasoned Defence firms.
- Pricing
- Custom package
What's included
Level 3 grants access to TOP SECRET information and projects of the highest sensitivity. Defence sets its highest standards across all four domains. Implementation and maintenance are challenging and costly, but the commercial upside is typically significant.
Mature organisations with considerable expertise and history in the Defence sector, involved in the most classified technologies, operations and defence works.
L3 inclusions
- Everything in Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2
- Deliverables adjusted to Level 3 requirements
Assessing suitability
Level 3 is the highest DISP level. It is ideal for mature organisations working with highly classified technologies, operations and Defence projects, with considerable expertise and history in the sector.
We discourage firms without Defence experience or active Defence contracts from applying. Weigh the commercial case, implementation cost and ongoing cost before you pursue this level.
What drives the cost
Cost depends on your current security posture and how far you are from Level 3 standards. Expect spending in these areas:
- IT upgrades: licensing, servers, migrations and implementation
- Physical security upgrades: locks, safes, access controls, audit and certification
- Employee training
- Regular compliance audits
Certification and scale
Certification of IT or physical security is among the largest costs. It tends to rise with company size and complexity, for example operating nationally across multiple sites rather than a single site.
Self-sponsorship up to NV-2
Many firms seek Level 3 so they can self-sponsor clearances up to Negative Vetting 2 (NV-2). If that is your main goal, there may be pathways that reduce cost. Talk to us and we will evaluate the options.
Compare with other levels
- Included
- Partly
- Not included
Questions
Should we apply for Level 3?
Only after careful evaluation. Level 3 suits mature organisations with considerable expertise and history in the Defence sector, working on the most classified technologies, operations and projects. We discourage firms without Defence experience or active Defence contracts from applying.
Weigh the commercial case, implementation cost and ongoing cost first. If your main goal is self-sponsorship up to NV-2, there may be pathways that reduce cost. We can evaluate the options with you.
What does Level 3 compliance cost?
It varies significantly with your current security posture and the work needed to close the gap. Costs can include IT upgrades (licensing, servers, migrations and implementation), physical security upgrades (locks, safes, access controls, audit and certification), employee training and regular compliance audits.
Certification of IT or physical security is among the largest costs, and it tends to rise with company size and complexity, for example operating across multiple sites rather than one.
[Awaiting confirmation of whether an indicative Level 3 cost can be published.]
Which levels let us sponsor our own security clearances?
Entry Level does not allow self-sponsorship. Level 1 lets you manage personnel clearances in-house and sponsor up to Baseline. Level 2 lets your Security Officer sponsor and manage clearances up to Negative Vetting 1 (NV-1). Many firms seek Level 3 for self-sponsorship up to Negative Vetting 2 (NV-2).
Your CSO and SO need clearances of their own to sponsor others. At Level 2, for example, the SO must hold at least NV-2.
Start your DISP journey
Please use a business email address. We reply within [Awaiting response time].
Book a complimentary initial consult
We will confirm whether DISP suits your business and which level you need, with no obligation.