Working for a company with federal government contracts in Canada? Since February 2017, mandatory electronic fingerprinting has been required for personnel security screening under the Contract Security Program. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about RCMP fingerprinting requirements, the forms you’ll need, processing procedures, and the complete list of contractors requiring security clearance.
Understanding the Contract Security Program (CSP)
The Contract Security Program is administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the federal office responsible for processing security screenings for private sector contractors working with the Government of Canada. The CSP ensures that individuals with access to sensitive government information, facilities, or assets meet stringent security requirements.
Whether you’re working on construction projects, IT services, consulting, defense contracts, or any other federal government work, personnel security screening is mandatory when contracts involve classified or protected information. The cornerstone of this screening process is mandatory electronic fingerprinting through RCMP-accredited agencies.
🏛️ Why Fingerprinting is Mandatory for Federal Contractors
In 2017, the RCMP retired its name-based criminal record check process because names could be misspelled, were too common, or were substituted with nicknames, leading to inaccuracies and delays. Electronic fingerprinting provides 100% accurate identification and is now the only acceptable method for federal contractor security screenings.
Who Requires Federal Government Contractor Fingerprinting?
Federal contractor fingerprinting is required for organizations and their employees that meet specific criteria under the Federal Contractors Program:
💼 Workforce Size
Organizations with a combined workforce in Canada of 100 or more permanent full-time or permanent part-time employees
💰 Contract Value
Received or bidding on a federal government goods or services contract valued at $1 million or more (including taxes)
🔐 Access Level
Employees requiring access to classified or protected government information, facilities, or assets
When is Fingerprinting Required?
- ✓New Contractors: All new employees starting work on federal contracts requiring security clearance
- ✓Security Clearance Upgrades: Existing contractors needing to upgrade their level of security clearance
- ✓Clearance Renewals: Contractors renewing their existing security clearance when it expires
- ✓Change of Circumstances: When there are significant changes in an employee’s situation that trigger re-screening
The Fingerprints Applicant Request Form
The most important document you’ll need is the Fingerprints Applicant Request Form – Contract Security Program. This official form is provided by your Company Security Officer (CSO) or Alternate Company Security Officer (ACSO) and contains critical information required for processing your security screening.
📋 Critical Information on the Form
- ✓ORI Number PQ80800: This Originating Agency Identifier directs results to the Contract Security Program
- ✓Applicant Information: Your full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying details
- ✓Company Information: Your employer’s name and CSO contact details
- ✓DCN Recording Space: Area for the fingerprint technician to record your Document Control Number
Understanding the ORI Number: PQ80800
The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number PQ80800 is essential for Contract Security Program fingerprinting. This unique identifier tells the RCMP to send your criminal record check results directly to Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Contract Security Program, not to you or your employer.
Important: If you’re being screened by a different government department (not through the Contract Security Program), you’ll receive a different ORI number specific to that department. Always use the ORI number provided on your Fingerprints Applicant Request Form.
Understanding the DCN (Document Control Number)
The Document Control Number (DCN) is a unique 20-digit identifier automatically generated when your electronic fingerprints are submitted to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). This number is crucial for linking your criminal record check results to your personnel security screening file.
Key Facts About DCN Numbers
⏱️ Validity Period
DCN is valid for 1 year from the date fingerprints were taken
🔄 Reusability
Can be reused for multiple screenings within the same department during the validity period
🚫 Non-Transferable
Cannot be transferred to or used by other departments or agencies
Step-by-Step: How to Complete Your Fingerprinting
Follow this comprehensive process to complete your mandatory electronic fingerprinting for federal government contract work:
Step 1: Receive Your Fingerprints Applicant Request Form
Your Company Security Officer (CSO) or Alternate Company Security Officer (ACSO) will determine if you need mandatory electronic fingerprinting for your personnel security screening. They will provide you with the Fingerprints Applicant Request Form for the Contract Security Program, which includes the ORI number PQ80800.
Step 2: Book Your Appointment at Surrey Fingerprint Company
Schedule an appointment at an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency like Surrey Fingerprint Company. We offer same-day appointments and understand federal government requirements. Call (604) 825-8882, email info@surreyfingerprint.com, or book online.
Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 7 PM
24-hour response
Instant confirmation
Step 3: Prepare Your Identification Documents
Bring two pieces of valid government-issued identification (at least one must be photo ID). Acceptable ID includes driver’s license, passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, Permanent Resident card, or provincial ID card. Ontario Health Cards and Social Insurance Cards are NOT acceptable.
✅ Acceptable Primary ID (Photo ID Required)
- ✓Canadian Driver’s License (issued by province or territory)
- ✓Canadian Passport
- ✓Canadian Citizenship Certificate (with photo)
- ✓Permanent Resident Card
- ✓Provincial/Territorial ID Card with photo
⚠️ NOT Acceptable as Primary ID
- ✗Ontario Health Card (prohibited by law from use as ID)
- ✗Social Insurance Card (not acceptable)
- ✗Photocopies or photos of ID cards
- ✗Expired identification documents
Step 4: Complete Digital Fingerprinting
At your appointment, certified technicians will verify your ID, capture your fingerprints digitally using advanced electronic equipment, and submit them to RCMP CCRTIS using ORI number PQ80800. This ensures results go directly to the Contract Security Program.
During your appointment, our RCMP-certified technicians will:
- ✓Verify your identification documents and Fingerprints Applicant Request Form
- ✓Capture your fingerprints digitally using advanced electronic equipment (clean, fast, no ink required)
- ✓Submit your fingerprints electronically to RCMP CCRTIS with ORI number PQ80800
- ✓Generate your unique 20-digit Document Control Number (DCN)
- ✓Record the DCN on your Fingerprints Applicant Request Form
- ✓Provide you with a receipt showing your DCN as proof of submission
The entire fingerprinting process takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The appointment is quick, professional, and painless.
💰 Cost of Fingerprinting
The RCMP does NOT charge a processing fee for fingerprints taken for federal employment or contract security screening.
However, accredited fingerprinting agencies charge a service fee for capturing and submitting your fingerprints. At Surrey Fingerprint Company, the cost is:
$50
Step 5: Return Documents to Your Company Security Officer
After fingerprinting, return the completed Fingerprints Applicant Request Form with the DCN recorded to your CSO or ACSO. Also provide them with a copy of your RCMP transaction receipt showing the DCN.
- ✓The completed Fingerprints Applicant Request Form with DCN recorded
- ✓A copy of your RCMP transaction receipt showing the DCN
Your CSO will then email the Contract Security Program with your DCN and other required information to link your fingerprint results to your personnel security screening file.
Step 6: RCMP Processing and Results
The RCMP processes your fingerprints through CCRTIS and conducts a comprehensive criminal record check. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days if no record is found, or up to 120 days if a record exists. Results are sent directly to the Contract Security Program electronically using your DCN, not mailed to you.
📧 Important: Results Are NOT Mailed to You
Unlike other types of criminal record checks, federal contractor fingerprint results are sent directly to the Contract Security Program electronically using your DCN. You will NOT receive a mailed certificate. The Contract Security Program reviews your results as part of your overall personnel security screening.
Major Federal Government Contractors Requiring Fingerprinting
Thousands of companies across Canada work on federal government contracts and require their employees to complete personnel security screening including fingerprinting. Here’s a comprehensive list of major contractors across various industries:
Construction & Engineering (Top 25)
- 1.PCL Construction
- 2.EllisDon Corporation
- 3.Aecon Group Inc.
- 4.SNC-Lavalin Group
- 5.Graham Construction
- 6.Kiewit Canada
- 7.Bird Construction Inc.
- 8.Pomerleau Inc.
- 9.Ledcor Group
- 10.Stuart Olson Inc.
- 11.Flynn Group of Companies
- 12.Broccolini Construction
- 13.Canam Group
- 14.Chandos Construction
- 15.WSP Global Inc.
- 16.Stantec Inc.
- 17.Hatch Ltd.
- 18.Black & McDonald Limited
- 19.Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd.
- 20.Dexterra Group
- 21.Englobe Corp.
- 22.Aecon Infrastructure
- 23.Colas Canada Inc.
- 24.Dagmar Construction
- 25.Pomerleau Infrastructure
Information Technology & Consulting (Top 25)
- 26.IBM Canada Ltd.
- 27.CGI Group Inc.
- 28.Accenture Inc.
- 29.Deloitte Canada
- 30.PwC Canada
- 31.KPMG Canada
- 32.Ernst & Young (EY) Canada
- 33.Veritaaq Technology House
- 34.S.I. Systems
- 35.Randstad Canada
- 36.Modis Canada
- 37.Microsoft Canada Inc.
- 38.SAP Canada Inc.
- 39.Oracle Canada ULC
- 40.Cisco Systems Canada Co.
- 41.Dell Technologies Canada
- 42.HP Canada Co.
- 43.Fujitsu Canada Inc.
- 44.Telus Health
- 45.Rogers Communications Inc.
- 46.BCE Inc. (Bell Canada)
- 47.Softchoice Corporation
- 48.OpenText Corporation
- 49.Shared Services Canada
- 50.Amazon Web Services (AWS) Canada
Defense & Security Contractors (Top 20)
- 51.Lockheed Martin Canada
- 52.General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
- 53.CAE Inc.
- 54.Thales Canada
- 55.Boeing Canada
- 56.Raytheon Canada Limited
- 57.Rheinmetall Canada Inc.
- 58.L3Harris Technologies (Canada)
- 59.Leonardo Canada
- 60.Commissionaires
- 61.Securitas Canada
- 62.Garda World Security Corporation
- 63.Paladin Security Group
- 64.Saab Canada Inc.
- 65.Airbus Defence and Space
- 66.BAE Systems Canada
- 67.MDA Corporation
- 68.IMP Aerospace & Defence
- 69.FLIR Systems Canada
- 70.Calian Group Ltd.
Additional Sectors (Top 30)
- 71.Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
- 72.Seaspan Shipyards
- 73.Davie Shipbuilding
- 74.Air Canada
- 75.WestJet Airlines
- 76.Bombardier Inc.
- 77.Canadian National Railway (CN)
- 78.Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)
- 79.Via Rail Canada
- 80.Canada Post Corporation
- 81.Purolator Inc.
- 82.Loomis Express
- 83.Sodexo Canada
- 84.Aramark Canada
- 85.Compass Group Canada
- 86.GardaWorld Cash Services
- 87.Brinks Canada
- 88.Extendicare Canada
- 89.Chartwell Retirement Residences
- 90.Apotex Inc.
- 91.Teva Canada
- 92.McKesson Canada
- 93.Cameco Corporation
- 94.AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited)
- 95.Bruce Power
- 96.Ontario Power Generation
- 97.Hydro-Québec
- 98.BC Hydro
- 99.Manitoba Hydro
- 100.SaskPower
Note: This list represents major federal contractors across various industries. Any organization with 100+ employees and federal contracts valued at $1 million or more may require personnel security screening including mandatory electronic fingerprinting. The list is not exhaustive, and smaller specialized contractors may also require fingerprinting for their employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Surrey Fingerprint Company?
Surrey Fingerprint Company is the trusted RCMP-accredited fingerprinting provider for thousands of federal government contractors across British Columbia. We specialize in Contract Security Program fingerprinting and understand the unique requirements for federal contractor personnel security screening.
🏆 RCMP Accredited
Fully certified and accredited by RCMP for electronic fingerprint submission to CCRTIS
⚡ Same-Day Appointments
No long waits – book your appointment for today and complete fingerprinting within 15-20 minutes
💰 Competitive $50 Pricing
Best rates in BC for federal contractor fingerprinting with no hidden fees
📋 Expert CSP Knowledge
We understand ORI numbers, DCN requirements, and Contract Security Program procedures
🖥️ Digital Technology
Advanced electronic fingerprinting equipment for high-quality captures and instant submission
📍 Convenient Location
Easy access in Surrey with free parking, serving all of British Columbia
Book Your Federal Contractor Fingerprinting Today
Working on federal government contracts? Don’t let fingerprinting delays hold up your security clearance. Surrey Fingerprint Company provides fast, professional, RCMP-accredited fingerprinting services for the Contract Security Program.
With same-day appointments, competitive $50 pricing, expert knowledge of ORI PQ80800 and DCN procedures, and advanced electronic fingerprinting technology, we make the process quick and hassle-free.
Book your appointment today and complete your personnel security screening requirements efficiently.
📍 Visit Surrey Fingerprint Company
Address: 112-8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
Phone: (604) 825-8882
Email: info@surreyfingerprint.com
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday: Closed
Serving: Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, Richmond, Burnaby, and all of British Columbia