August 2011

Monthly Archive

DSS Deployment of New SF86

Posted by on 25 Aug 2011 | Tagged as: Cleared News, Getting/Updating a Clearance

The Defense Security Service (DSS) announced that effective on August 29, 2011 as part of a Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) release update (version 4.3.0.0), the new 2010 Standard Form 86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) will be available for use by federal contractors using JPAS.  A new “Fair Credit Release” form will be required as part of the SF86.

NISPPAC Report Shows Top Secret Clearance Reinvestigation Times Increasing

Posted by on 19 Aug 2011 | Tagged as: Cleared News, Investigations

On August 3, 2011 the National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee (NISPPAC) report for March 2011 was posted at their website.  NISPPAC is made up of representatives from Government and industry and meets two to three times a year.  Meetings usually include presentations by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) on industrial security clearance processing metrics.  The March meeting also included a presentation by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) on the activities of the Joint Suitability and Security Clearance Reform Team… Continue Reading »

How Much Does a Security Clearance Really Cost?

Posted by on 08 Aug 2011 | Tagged as: Cleared Jobs, Getting/Updating a Clearance

If you ask around the common perception seems to be that getting a security clearance costs sponsoring companies or agencies a lot of money – this is a case of perception not meshing with reality, however. The cost of investigations is published, with the average cost for OPM investigations at $1,230 per investigation.

The most significant and in many cases difficult to assess cost is in non-productive time while an employer waits for an employee’s clearance to be processed. It’s a key reason why already cleared personnel remain in demand – it’s because they’re easier, and cheaper, to get on the job quickly. That said, as processing time continues to decline even this cost is decreasing.

Read the full article on how much security clearances really cost here.

COMPARE:  Prices of OPM’s investigative products for Fiscal Year 2008.