Apply for certification in the Joint Certification Program

Canadian and American contractors must be certified by the United States (U.S.)/Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP) to bid and work on contracts and conduct research requiring access to unclassified military technical data.

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Why certification is required

Unclassified military technical data is strictly controlled in Canada and the U.S.

How unclassified military technical data is controlled

Check if you have previously certified

Before you apply, search the Joint Certification Program database to see if your site has been certified in the past.

Who is eligible for certification

Canadian and American contractors who need access to unclassified military technical data must apply for certification through the JCP.

A Canadian contractor is a:

Access by a foreign parent or foreign subsidiary

Participation in the JCP is restricted to contractors who are located in Canada or the U.S.

A non-Canadian or non-American parent or subsidiary must obtain written government approval before it is allowed to access controlled unclassified military technical data through a certified contractor.

Written approval may be provided in the form of an export licence. Contractors may request an export licence through an appropriate export control authority, either from Global Affairs Canada or the State Department in the U.S.

About export and import controls in Canada

How to apply for certification

Canadian contractors applying for certification by the JCP must:

  1. obtain a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code
  2. appoint a data custodian, which is a person who will
    • be responsible for receiving and disseminating any technical data transferred to the certified contractor under the provisions of the JCP
    • act as the main point of contact between your company and the program
  3. be able to demonstrate a legitimate need to access unclassified military technical data
  4. complete the new on-line application process

How to complete an application for certification with the Joint Certification Program through a new online tool.

Timelines for the application process

JCP aims to respond to certification applications within 5 business days. By completing the forms properly and meeting all requirements, you can help ensure your application is processed on time.

Application decisions

Based on a review of the application for certification, the JCP will decide whether to:

Certification approval

The JCP will return a DD2345 certificate, signed by Canadian and American representatives, to your data custodian. The approved DD2345 becomes the contractor’s JCP certificate.

Note

The signed DD2345 certificate constitutes an agreement between the contractor and the program that unclassified military technical data will not be distributed to unauthorized individuals.

Once certified, the contractor can request access to unclassified military technical data and work sites where that data may be accessed.

Certification is valid for up to 5 years. If the contractor is shown to have violated the terms of the agreement, the certificate may be revoked or the certification period may be reduced.

Roles and responsibilities of certified contractors

Certification number

The DD2345 certificate will include a 7-digit certification number.

The certification number refers to the facility rather than an individual employee, but extends to employees who are both:

  • working directly at the facility
  • a Canadian citizen, a U.S. citizen or a person admitted lawfully for permanent residence into Canada or the U.S.

The certification number and a statement of intended use must accompany all requests for access to unclassified military critical technical data submitted to the Canadian Department of National Defence or the U.S. Department of Defense.

Certification rejection

The JCP will notify the contractor if their certification is rejected and provide the reasons for the rejection and instructions about how to appeal or to reapply.

Certification revision

Certified contractors should submit a revised application if information previously provided becomes outdated.

When to submit a revision

  • Change of ownership
  • Change of business purpose
  • Change of company name
  • Selection of a new data custodian
  • Change of address or contact information

If approved, the revised certification begins a new 5-year eligibility period for the certified contractor.

Certification renewal

Certification can be renewed every 5 years.

To renew your certification, certified contractors must complete a new renewal request, with supporting documentation if applicable, at least 120 calendar days prior to expiry of certification.

Compliance

More information

For more information and instructions on applying to the JCP through the new on-line system, visit the Joint Certification Program.

For assistance in French, contact the Canadian Representative: tpsgc.dgsssijcp-dobissjcp.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.

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