Can a foreign contractor (i.e., a japanese-licensed contractor) obtain a security clearance? I think the answer is yes, but I cannot find any support.

Do you mean a facility security clearance? if so, start here:

http://www.dss.mil/isp/fac_clear/fac_clear_check.html

Suggest you check out the NISPOM and the Industrial Security Regulation (ISR) that can be found at DSS's web site. Both documents spell out the requirements well for both a company that has Foreign Controlling Interests as well as for a person who is a foreign national. Start with the NISPOM (it's derived from the ISR and a little easier to read). If you don't find the right level of detail to answer your question, dive into the corresponding section of the ISR.

Depending on why you are asking, the most important thing to know is that the process won't be quick in either case.

A company cannot get a facility clearance if it is under foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) unless certain issues have been resolved. Go to this webpage and read through the FAQs: http://www.dss.mil/isp/foci/foci_faqs.html. See FAQ #2:

Can a company obtain a facility security clearance (FCL) if found to be under FOCI?

No. A company determined to be under FOCI is not eligible for an FCL until the FOCI factors have been favorably resolved. (NISPOM, paragraph 2-300c)

A company cannot get a facility clearance if it is under foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) unless certain issues have been resolved. Go to this webpage and read through the FAQs: http://www.dss.mil/isp/foci/foci_faqs.html. See FAQ #2:

Thank you all for the help.

A company cannot get a facility clearance if it is under foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) unless certain issues have been resolved. Go to this webpage and read through the FAQs: http://www.dss.mil/isp/foci/foci_faqs.html. See FAQ #2:

Does it make a difference if the company is (100%) owned by an American citizen? That happens to be the case.

Go to the website address that I gave you, read, and think.

Go to the website address that I gave you, read, and think.

Just trying to get a straight answer. With that said, if a foreign contractor is unconditonally owned and controlled by a U.S. citizen, there would be no FOCI in my opinion. Thus, getting the clearance would not be problematic. How long does the process take, generally speaking?

Just trying to get a straight answer. With that said, if a foreign contractor is unconditonally owned and controlled by a U.S. citizen, there would be no FOCI in my opinion. Thus, getting the clearance would not be problematic. How long does the process take, generally speaking?

No one on this website can answer that question. Call the DSS Help Desk and ask them your question. They are the ones who would have the statistics necessary to answer. If you give them the company name or CAGE code, they can tell you if the company has even started the process.