# DD Form 254 **Full name:** Contract Security Classification Specification **Entity class:** Classified-contract security specification ## Definition **DD Form 254** communicates the security classification requirements of a covered classified contract. It identifies the contract and contracting entities, classified access and performance requirements, locations, security guidance, and responsible officials; subcontractor locations requiring classified access must be represented as required. ## Timeline In 2016–2017, DD Form 254 was still routinely encountered as a PDF/document package inside a manual or partly electronic routing process. A legacy NCCS capability began in 2016 but did not immediately replace the document workflow. The FAR mandate for NCCS processing of unclassified submissions took effect August 3, 2020; NCCS 2.0 soft-launched June 6, 2022. Historical accounts should therefore describe 2016–2017 forms as filled, certified or signed as applicable, routed, and retained without assuming one universal modern PKI-signature method. ## Relationships - **required within:** [[wiki/National Industrial Security Program|National Industrial Security Program]] for covered contracts. - **processed through:** [[wiki/National Industrial Security Program Contract Classification System|NCCS]] when the submission can remain unclassified. - **binds:** government contracting activity, prime contractor, relevant subcontractors, performance locations, and security requirements. - **personnel counterpart:** [[wiki/SF 312|SF 312]]. ## Sources / Provenance - [Acquisition.gov — FAR 4.402](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/4.402) - [Acquisition.gov — FAR 53.204-1](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/53.204-1) - [DoD Inspector General — DODIG-2022-068](https://media.defense.gov/2024/May/29/2003474259/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2022-068.PDF)