ATP-dependent specificity component of the ClpAP protease. It directs the protease to specific substrates. It has unfoldase activity. The primary function of the ClpA-ClpP complex appears to be the degradation of unfolded or abnormal proteins. Component of the ClpAP complex composed of six ClpA subunits assembled into a hexameric ring in the presence of ATP, and fourteen ClpP subunits arranged in two heptameric rings. Binds to ClpS. Belongs to the ClpA/ClpB family.