Authority/Reference(s) DFPS Management
Revision Date September 2, 2025

Policy

The Internal Control Structure Questionnaire (ICSQ) is used to assess whether a contractor has accounting systems and procedures in place to reduce incidents of fiscal errors and reduce the opportunity for dishonesty. Contractors must respond to questions related to their organization's policies and systems for collecting, recording, storing, and reporting financial information and safeguarding business assets.
Contractors are asked to submit applicable documentation to support their responses including, but not limited to:

  • Organizational structure
  • Current financial position (assets versus liabilities)
  • Financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements)
  • Annual tax returns
  • Audit reports
  • Cost allocation plans
  • Chart of accounts

Before the contract is executed, the contractor must complete and submit the ICSQ and supporting attachments to contract staff for review. Contract staff review the ICSQ and supporting attachments for accuracy and completeness and request any missing or incomplete information. Once all necessary information is submitted and evaluated

Internal Control Certification

The Internal Control Certification (ICC) form is a condensed version of the full ICSQ. The purpose of the ICC is to have the contractor review the most recently submitted ICSQ and either update sections that have changed or certify that no changes have occurred. If any changes are identified, updated financial information must be included with the ICC or new ICSQ. 

Frequency

Information obtained in the ICSQ must be kept up to date to assess risk during the life of the contract.
An ICSQ or ICC must be completed every two years.
A subsequent ICSQ must include complete and accurate updated information from the prior ICSQ that was submitted. A contractor may be asked to resubmit an ICSQ at any time during the contract lifecycle if a contract manager believes it is necessary to reassess risk.

Exceptions

  • Interagency contracts
  • SSCC contracts