Can we ask applicants whether they think they’d pass a security clearance?

Q. "We are a private company that hires people to work on government contracts. Some of those contracts require the employee to obtain a security clearance from the government. Are we allowed to ask prospective employees prior to employment if there is anything in their history that might prevent them from obtaining a security clearance? The questions would include criminal convictions, but also bankruptcy, travel to foreign countries, etc.: -- Anonymous