DD 254 (Original)

A Contract Security Classification Specification (CSCS) that is issued by a Government Contracting Activity (GCA) or a Prime Contractor to provide original classification guidance and security requirements on a classified contract. Original DD 254s are issued during the solicitation phase of a contract to provide classification guidance and security requirements to prospective contractors as they formulate their bids. Once the contract is awarded, another Original DD 254 is issued to the contractor who is being awarded the contract.