Before applying

Before applying, it is important to:

Submitting an application

Complete the application on the DISP Member Portal

The first step when entering the DISP Member Portal is to update your profile. This includes providing Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) personal security clearance details and acknowledging whether the CSO and SO have completed SO training.

After the profile is complete, there are 9 sections of the application that will need to be filled out:

  1. Entity details
  2. Officer details
  3. Contracts and panels
  4. Physical and ICT
  5. Membership levels
  6. Foreign ownership, control and influence
  7. Cyber questionnaire
  8. Attachments
  9. Preview and submit.

Once the application is complete and prior to submitting:

  • Ensure that the CSO has reviewed the application in full.
  • Update any required information appropriately.
  • Double check the information to ensure its accuracy.

Processing and timeframes

Defence is experiencing high demand for DISP accreditation. The Program has over 1400 members with that number expected to reach 2000 before the end of 2025.

This demand growth, coupled with a change in our delivery model, has created a backlog in applications that has required Defence to focus on priority memberships. Defence is moving aggressively to tackle this backlog in 2025.

Prioritisation of membership applications and upgrades is based on several factors including whether an entity holds or is tendering or negotiating for a Defence contract or panel, or is involved in supply chain or other government priority initiatives. 

For urgent or high priority requests, Defence has established a priority queue for applications endorsed as urgent by a senior Defence official (minimum Band 1 / 1 Star level). If the application is urgent, please contact the Defence Contract Manager or Prime Contractor to seek endorsement.

Priority Applications are taking around 90 days to process once a processing officer is assigned. Entities can help streamline the process by having their security documents ready for assessment and by responding promptly to requests for information.

As additional processing resources come online, Defence will focus its capacity on processing applications for those entities with current Defence contracts (or sub-contracts), then to those applicants involved in tender processes.

Defence is also looking to increased processing automation through the DISP Membership System, and simplified policy settings to streamline the application process.