Federal Services
Cleared Developers
Secret-cleared software engineers for classified federal programs. Clearance transfers in 2–6 weeks. New clearance initiation for multi-year contracts. Full-stack cleared teams available on FFP or T&M.
What are cleared developers and what do they do?
Cleared developers are software engineers who hold active U.S. government security clearances — typically Secret or Top Secret — enabling them to build and maintain classified federal systems. Code and Trust provides Secret-cleared full-stack developers for DoD and civilian agency programs, with clearance transfers completing in 2–6 weeks for active clearances.
Security clearance is person-specific: the developer is cleared, not the company. This distinction matters for staffing — when a cleared developer changes employers, their clearance transfers with them (a process called reciprocity), typically completing in two to six weeks at the Secret level when the new employer holds a valid Facility Clearance (FCL).
The software work cleared developers do is technically identical to commercial software development — frontend, backend, APIs, DevOps, databases — conducted within classified network environments using government-approved tooling. The clearance is not a proxy for technical skill; it is an access credential. Our cleared developers are senior engineers first and cleared personnel second.
What cleared developers do day-to-day
Cleared developers divide their work between classified and unclassified tasks. Classified work — accessing SIPRNet systems, processing classified data, deploying to classified environments — requires on-site SCIF presence. Architecture, API design, testing, and documentation are often unclassified and can be done remotely. Most cleared engagements are hybrid: on-site for classified access, remote for unclassified development.
Classified system development (on-site, SCIF)
Accessing and modifying classified codebases, processing classified data, deploying to classified cloud environments (C2S, IL5+). Requires on-site presence at a cleared facility or SCIF.
Architecture and design (often unclassified)
System architecture, API design, data modeling, and security control planning are typically unclassified and can be conducted remotely or in unclassified environments. Classified system requirements are translated into unclassified design documents.
DevSecOps and CI/CD on classified networks
Pipeline configuration, container orchestration, and deployment automation for classified environments use government-approved tooling (GitLab on-prem, Anchore, OpenShift on IL5 clouds). Skill requirements are identical to commercial DevSecOps.
Security documentation (SSP, SRTM, VPAT)
System Security Plans, Security Requirements Traceability Matrices, and Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates are standard cleared developer deliverables. These are unclassified documents and can be produced remotely.
How the clearance transfer process works
Clearance transfer (reciprocity) for an existing active Secret clearance takes 2–6 weeks: the developer's clearance record is verified in DISS/JPAS, the new Facility Security Officer accepts reciprocity, and the developer is granted access to the new program. New clearance initiation — starting from no clearance — requires SF-86 submission, a 3–12 month DCSA investigation, and adjudication before access is granted.
Transfer
2–6 weeks
Existing active Secret clearance
FSO accepts reciprocity in DISS/JPAS. Most common path for hiring engineers from other cleared firms. Fastest when the clearance has been continuously active.
Transfer
6–12 weeks
Lapsed or inactive clearance
If the clearance has been inactive for more than 24 months, a partial reinvestigation may be required. Timeline depends on how long the clearance has been inactive and any intervening life events.
New initiation
3–12 months
Secret clearance from scratch
SF-86 submitted to DCSA. Investigation covers 10-year personal history, foreign contacts, financial records, and employment. Interim Secret access may be granted in 1–3 months pending full adjudication for most programs.
New initiation
12–24+ months
Top Secret / SCI
Full scope background investigation (FSBI) with personal interviews, expanded foreign contact checks, and polygraph for certain IC programs. Timeline varies significantly by agency and access category. Best suited for multi-year contract vehicles with defined SOW.
For Top Secret and TS/SCI requirements — where polygraph examinations and additional compartmented access approvals are required — see our Top Secret cleared developers page, which covers SCIF requirements, SCI access categories, and polygraph levels.
NDA protection vs. security clearance: the difference
An NDA is a commercial contract protecting confidential business information — signing one takes minutes and requires no government investigation. A security clearance is a government-granted access credential following a federal background investigation into personal history, foreign contacts, and financial records. They are unrelated instruments serving different legal purposes. All Code and Trust engineers sign NDAs; cleared engineers additionally hold government clearances.
| Dimension | NDA | Security Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Granted by | Private parties (employer, client) | Federal government agency |
| Process | Sign a document | 3–24+ month investigation |
| Protects | Confidential commercial information | Classified national security information |
| Legal basis | Contract law | Executive Order 13526 / National Security Act |
| Enforcement | Civil litigation | Federal criminal prosecution (18 U.S.C. § 793) |
| Revocable by | Mutual agreement | Granting agency only |
| Transferable | Not applicable | Yes (reciprocity, 2–6 weeks for Secret) |
Cleared developer billing rates and market context
Secret-cleared senior software engineers bill at $175–$250/hour on T&M contracts, approximately 20–35% above equivalent uncleared rates. The premium reflects clearance scarcity, SCIF-work constraints, and the cost of clearance maintenance. Washington DC Metro and Northern Virginia cleared developers command the highest market rates due to agency concentration; Charleston and remote-eligible cleared work runs 10–15% lower.
Cleared developer rates vary by several factors:
- →Clearance level — Secret clears at a lower rate premium than TS/SCI with polygraph
- →Labor category — senior engineers and architects command higher rates than mid-level developers
- →Technical specialization — cleared cybersecurity engineers, DevSecOps specialists, and ML engineers command the highest market premiums
- →Geography — DC Metro rates are highest; Charleston SC, Austin TX, and hybrid-remote cleared work runs lower
- →Contract vehicle — GSA Schedule labor categories cap rates for Schedule orders; OTA and direct contracts have more flexibility
For custom software development engagements that do not require cleared personnel, rates are $120–$175/hour for senior engineers on T&M and equivalent on FFP. Contact us for a specific rate sheet for your labor categories.
Related federal services
Cleared developer staffing is one of six federal service capabilities at Code and Trust. Related specializations include Top Secret and TS/SCI developer staffing, government software contracting, FedRAMP-compliant cloud development, Section 508 accessible software, and ATO-compliant system design following NIST 800-53 control families.
Cleared developers FAQ
Common questions about cleared developers cover what a clearance means, how transfer and new initiation timelines work, the difference between NDAs and clearances, billing rates, the day-to-day work environment, on-site vs. remote arrangements, and how cleared staffing differs from traditional cleared staffing firms that place labor without owning delivery.
What clearance levels do Code and Trust developers hold?
Code and Trust staff and network engineers hold active Secret clearances, with select personnel at the Top Secret and TS/SCI levels. Secret clearances are most common for DoD and DHS programs. TS/SCI with polygraph is available for select Intelligence Community programs on multi-year engagements. Public Trust suitability for civilian agency work (IRS, VA, HHS) typically completes in 30–90 days.
How long does a clearance transfer take?
Reciprocity transfer for an existing active Secret clearance typically completes in 2–6 weeks. The process involves verifying the clearance record in DISS/JPAS, the new FSO accepting reciprocity, and granting access to the new program. Delays occur when the clearance has lapsed or when a new program requires additional adjudication beyond the base Secret level.
What is the difference between a clearance and an NDA?
An NDA is a commercial contract protecting confidential business information — signed in minutes, no government involvement. A security clearance is a government-granted access credential following a federal background investigation (SF-86) into personal history, foreign contacts, and financial records. All Code and Trust engineers sign NDAs; cleared engineers additionally hold government clearances. They are unrelated instruments.
What does a cleared developer actually do day-to-day?
Cleared developers divide work between classified and unclassified tasks. Classified work — accessing SIPRNet, processing classified data, deploying to classified environments — requires on-site SCIF presence. Architecture, API design, testing, and documentation are often unclassified and can be done remotely. Most cleared engagements are hybrid: on-site for classified access, remote for unclassified development.
What are Secret-cleared developer billing rates?
Secret-cleared senior software engineers bill at $175–$250/hour on T&M contracts, approximately 20–35% above equivalent uncleared rates. The premium reflects clearance scarcity, SCIF-work constraints, and clearance maintenance costs. Washington DC Metro rates are highest; Charleston SC and remote-eligible cleared work runs 10–15% lower.
How does Code and Trust differ from cleared staffing firms?
Cleared staffing firms place labor without owning delivery — the risk stays with the agency. Code and Trust provides cleared engineers as part of a full delivery team: product ownership, architecture, development, and testing. We own the outcome, not just the headcount. For programs that need senior cleared engineers embedded in existing teams, we also offer cleared staff augmentation on T&M.
Need cleared developers for your program?
Cleared developer engagements begin with a 30-minute capability call covering clearance level requirements, labor categories, on-site vs. remote needs, and contract vehicle. Code and Trust can typically confirm cleared developer availability within 48 hours and provide a written capability statement and rate sheet within one week of the initial call.
Tell us your clearance level requirement, labor categories, and contract vehicle. We will confirm availability and send a rate sheet within 48 hours.