Background InvestigationsObtaining Security Clearance

Is Security Clearance Reform Finally Here?

In yesterday’s USA Today, a report titled “White House looks for faster top secret clearances” details the positive efforts of Office of Management and Budget deputy director Clay Johnson to reduce the security clearance backlog.

The idea, is that extensive background checks, specifically interviewing a clearance applicant’s friends and neighbors may not be necessary. By reducing the overall investigation, more candidates can be cleared quicker.

Kudos to Mr. Johnson for proposing an idea that would have positive impact on the clearance backlog. On some levels, the suggestion makes a whole lot of sense.

Some believe though, that an investigation that is not as detailed may pose security risks. What do you think?

Comment Archive

  1. Avatar

    This report cites “significant progress.” I call hogwash on this one. I’ve been waiting 16 months for my final TS clearance, and a buddy of mine has been waiting 12. Put that in the report!

  2. Avatar

    I agree with the moderator here. My hat is off to the OMB for coming up with an idea that doesn’t involve hiring a few hundred contractors. I was an investigator for three years, and can say that the process is not pretty.

    My own clearance took a little over a year to obtain in 1995, and my last PR took months to complete. The proposed solution is smart, but at the sake of security? Bad idea in my book.

  3. Avatar

    It is good that this is getting some attention again.

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    Good posts above. I’d like to add that my comments from the recent GovExec article only showed a portion of my discussion with the reporter. The missing parts echo a lot of what’s being said above.

    Personally, I am impressed and thankful for the OMB’s desire and active approach to getting the security clearance backlog under control. While a less extensive background check is a bit worrisome for national security, so is leaving critical projects unstaffed while clearances are being investigated.

    As the lesser of two evils, a shorter investigative process will pay off in the long run. Hopefully, incidents like what has happened recently at Los Alamos will not increase as a result.

    The findings in this week’s report are positive. Hearing from thousands of cleared job seekers and defense industry employers over the years, I know we still have a long way to go. It is good to see the efforts in place.

    Evan Lesser
    Director
    ClearanceJobs.com

  5. Avatar

    I recently received my TS and it only look about 9 months from the start of the Background investigation. I had given all my references notice that someone might come by, but not everyone from my list was interviewed. So, I guess it does work…

    As for the security issue… it was still a very thorough investigation, and I still had to provide the full list of references. So, in theory, I have no control over who they choose to interview or not. And maybe, for those not interviewed, they just confirm that the contact information I provided is authentic and move on. Either way, I don’t see much of a security risk in not interviewing everybody; and it does speed up the process.

  6. Avatar

    DownInTexas:

    How long was it from when you submitted your clearance paperwork? In the recent report, part of the delays were due to the time required to get the appropriate forms from one place to another. Curious to know what your total time was.

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    Admin:

    I completed the paperwork and sent it in about 2 months before the BI started, so about 11 months from start to finish. My what I understand, either that was pretty good time, or I’m just the most boring person ever! 🙂

  8. Avatar

    Here’s a point from the FSO at a large prime defense contractor with some smart words about scaling back in-person interviews for TS level clearance investigations:

    “I think some of the interviews for TS could be conducted by telephone, such as neighbors. However, I believe those who work closely with an individual should always be interviewed face-to-face. Facial expressions and body movements/language are very expressive when it comes to determining whether a person is telling you the truth or not.”

    Definitely a strong point that holds value.

  9. Avatar

    This could be good for the investigation, but what about the adjudication process?

    I submitted my TS awhile back, only to find out that an incident had been reported. My secret clearance was suspended. It was suspended on July 14, 2005… I know for a fact that several memorandums verifying it was a mistake as well as all the required documents to have the clearance re-instated have been sent…but still NO adjudication.

    This probably isnt going to look so hot once my TS investigation is finished and ends up on an adjudicators desk and he/she see’s that they still havent adjudicated my previous clearance.

  10. Avatar

    Yes. I am a DoD civillian, and my job is to process clearances. My unit commander has signed an interim clearance for me in the mean time, and actually I have been granted interim secret clearance granting authority.

    The delay in adjudication has cost me at least 3 jobs I wanted in the last year.

  11. Avatar

    Following this thread too.

    Typical – Lucky you were able to stay on the job. What is your role in “processing clearances”? What do you do (if you can say)?

  12. Avatar

    I process packages and send them off to OPM to do the investigation. I do the fingerprints and local police file checks, advise people on filling out the SF-86 and then compile everything, review and send it in.

    My unit commander has stated he’s not going to get rid of me regardless, but I cant exactly move until it’s adjudicated, and I cant attending classified confrences or training since a memorandum and interim usually wont due once you are flagged in JPAS as “access suspended”

    In fact, 2 weeks ago I was promoted, but still.. I’m stuck. I cant use any of my contacts in the security clearance world, because that would create the impression of trying to influence the decision. So it’s just playing the waiting game.

  13. Avatar

    Honestly, i dont think it’s possible to meet some of the goals.

    I have been following some contractor clearance times and I’ve noticed that clearance times have indeed dropped, but they still aren’t fast by any means. I have noticed that some clearances are done in less than 90 days. Done, meaning at adjudication.

    There are some indications that the process is speeding up, but OPM still does not have the man power to interview as many people as required.

    There are also some other things standing in the way. For example, California law enforcement will not provide criminal records to CONTRACTED background investigators. Only OPM GS employees.

    Also worthy of noting is the fact that, to the best of my knowledge, there arent any permanent overseas investigators. They come on a rotational basis every few months to do their interviews then return stateside.

  14. Avatar

    Typical:

    Are you still employed at a job that requires use of your clearance? Has the delay in proper adjudication impacted your career?

  15. Avatar

    Typical:

    So what’s your take on the OMB’s report that processing times for clearances have been reduced?

    Sure, you’ve personally got a big unfortunate problem to deal with. But what about the clearance processing time for the people you are helping compile the paperwork for? Are you following them to see when the do receive their clearances? You are probably only working with Federal employees, and not contractors.

  16. Avatar

    I believe that the security checks need to be complete and that they should be tough to get. And from my standpoint and what should be anyones on this site… it is in my best interest for the clearances to remain a comodity and not just something any bum off the street can get.

  17. Avatar

    About 10 months ago an investigation to renew a TS with DHS was begun. I was impressed by the speed of the investigator who told me he had 40 days to do the full investigation, including report writing, but strived to do it faster. There was about a two-month delay after completion of the investigation due to the need to get a response from some Embassy due to my overseas assignment. I was granted a new five-year term, but retired a few months later.

    I see some problems with the transfer of security clearances between departments. The State Dept. had difficulty verifying my security clearance with DHS and instead found a previous clear (since expired) with Justice. I had to point them to the right person who could verify my existing clearance. This shouldn’t happen! Also, although State granted my an interim clearance, they apparently had to meet some additional requirements of their department (I only know of another interview of me that was done, but am not aware of another neighborhood investigation).

  18. Avatar

    I if you have your government clearance good for you as long as you continue working for the government.
    I have my Secret through USCG-DHS but left the civilian service to finish college. I have been trying to get back in now that I have my degree but all the employers I have contacted say they can not verify my empoyment or clearance. I contacted the U.S. Coast Guard – Secruity Central in Cheasapeake Va. and they told me all employers need to Fax a request on their letter head and after Q&A’s they (USCG SECCEN)will post it on JPAS (where all that have access can retrieve it for verification). How secure is that? Anyone can make up letterhead.

  19. Avatar

    I too have experienced problems transferring clearances inter-agency.

    JPAS is meant to be a “one stop shop” for clearances but from what I’ve gathered the USCG is on a different system or JPAS server. Also, getting clearances passed from the DoD to the DoS is a real pain.

    In two cases I’ve recieved permission to simply re-submit holders of DoS clearances for DoD clearances because we could never get a reply or verification of any clearances from the department of state.

    I was told I had to call a specific number by a DoS security officer. I called, it was an answering machine, and recieved no reply.

    From my point of view there are two major issues.

    1) There simply arent enough investigators

    2) The delays in processing, starting from the applicants security manager and up.

    Clearance requirements were supposedly standardized so it shouldnt be to difficult to get everyone on board in the same system.

  20. Avatar

    I retired from the Air Force 3 years ago as an Intelligence Analyst, and being in a NATO environment, my clearance lapsed as soon as I retired. I was hired by Mantech as a contract investigator in Jan 05, but had to start from “square one” with e-Qip/SF-86. Mantech lost the contract to USIS and stopped the investigation. (after 18 months of work). I applied with USIS and was also hired. It took USIS about 60 days to adjudicate. I should add that I had to re-submit the e-Qip to USIS since it was a different company. I assume they combined both e-Qip submissions into one. So here I am, 3 years to get the PR done, I can certainly tell the difference between Military and civilian when it comes to priorities.

    I start with USIS Monday (5 March), so I’m anxious to find out exactly how the process works. I’ve heard some good reviews and bad reviews on different contract companies, and won’t mind sharing my insight in this forum in the future.

  21. Avatar

    Yes, SPIN Investigator, minimum 24 hours per week. Something I’ve always thought about doing as a second career since the early 80’s when I first went through the process. I’ll keep in touch. great forum you have here.

  22. Avatar

    Dick – Please come back and let us know how things go. Are you going to be doing investigations for USIS?

  23. Avatar

    Congrats on the job Dick. I almost took a position as an investigator with USIS as well. I interviewed and was offered the job but declined because they didnt offer they pay that I wanted, but I’m sure that was because the area I was to cover had a very low cost of living. Central Missouri (my home).

    Personally, once my situation is cleared up I intend on doing the same. I’ll try to get on with USIS or OPM as an investigator.

    I do have a contracting offer in VA with an IT company. The recruiter is a personal friend of mine and is offering to hire me as a recruiter. Base salary of 60k per year.

    I’ve never worked outside the government before, so I’m a bit apprehensive. If I leave now my TS investigation will be canceled.

    I’ve seen DISCO (the contractor clearance adjudicating agency) have extremely varied times and performance levels.

    I once argued with a DISCO adjudicator that they couldnt grant a clearance based on an investigation that was completed in 1982. We had a contractor come on board that was granted a secret clearance a month prior based on the investigation being complete in 1982. It took 30 minutes of explaining the scope of investigation and finally the line that made it sink in was “How do we know what he’s done since 1982? Alot could have happened.”

  24. Avatar

    If I could offer one piece of advice to someone leaving the military/Government service, it would be to make sure your clearance is updated before you punch out. I think most people that read this would agree. You just never know what might happen, and the clearance issue opens doors that some only dream about. I admit, I was very surprised to see HOW LONG it took for a PR to get done once I was on the civilian side of the fence. I understand people have different circumstances, but I had a hard time with a 3 year turn-around.

    Typical, I fully understand your apprehension about working outside the government. Me too. Kinda feels like your “a fish out of water”, doesn’t it?

    For those considering a full or part-time career as an investigator, know that USIS just won a 5 year contract with OPM. Other companies that perform PSI’s are Kroll, CACI, and Omniplex. The pay isn’t that bad, although we’d all like a little more…starting with no experience is in the $20 – $35/hr range depending on the location and company. Of course, the benefit packages vary too. You won’t get rich, but setting your on schedule and working from home is what did it for me. Also consider the possibility of contracting for more than one company, versus full-time with another…just something to think about.

    This is what I understand, so if there are experienced investigators out there that know I’m way off base, please let me know. It’s hard to find someone to ask these particular questions when you’re trying to break into the field.

  25. Avatar

    I read above that there is a clear separation between the BI and the adjudication process. If that’s the case can I safely assume that my BI is done given how I interviewed with them and they spoke to my friends/co-workers/former colleagues? I assume because I haven’t had any questions about my SF-86 and also how I had my polys that I am into the adjudication process?

    I’m 17 months into an SCI and am getting frustrated. I’m hearing nightmare scenarios of 3+ years just to hear back. I know there is a backlog but would anyone here have an ETA on the final adjudication decision?

  26. Avatar

    Thanks Admin. I assume that does mean they need nothing more from me, my SF-86 info. was in order, etc. and I am now just awaiting action from DISCO.

    “No news is good news” is the assumption under which I have been operating.

    I certainly hope you’re right and I have to wait only another month.

    “Come to a close”- hopefully in a positive manner!

  27. Avatar

    Geoff – Admin is right. If they haven’t asked for additional info, there are no errors or questions. No news is probably better than “Houston, we have a problem”. I’ve got pals who have had problems with the data entered on their eQIP / SF86 forms, and waited a loooong time for it to get resolved. Seems like these problem cases get pushed into some “other” folder for processing.

  28. Avatar

    Geoff:

    17 months is just short of the time we’ve been hearing from employers for a final SCI to fully process.

    In most cases, no news is good news, and you have to assume that your investigation is going to come to a close soon.

    17 months.. And the government says they are making big progress on investigation times. Go figure.

  29. Avatar

    Dick,

    That starting salary is much, much higher than what I was initially offered with USIS so it’s a good deal. I was being offered $15 an hour to operate near Scott AFB Ill. That and offered a company car, but I was to pay for using it. It wouldnt have been a raise so it would have been foolish for me to take it.

    Geoff- There is a clear seperation. Your facillity FSO takes your SF-86 and reviews and submits it to OPM. OPM investigators take the case and do the investigation until all requirements are satisifed. Then they pass it along to DISCO for adjudication. Neither one really talks to each other if they dont have to. Unless more information is needed, DISCO just recieved the packet and adjudicates.

    Dick,

    Those who are getting out of the military need to be very, very careful about their clearance. Once you have a planned seperation date or retirement date it will be recorded in JPAS. Then, anyone who has an open investigation will have their investigation stopped and you cant submit for a new one. It then becomes impossible to resubmit. It would take 2 years of planning to pull it off.

  30. Avatar

    Sorry for the double post but I thought I would add:

    PRs take longer than initial clearance sometimes, because they actually have to go back and pull all previous clearance records. Former military have all their military records pulled, then their clearance records.

    Waiting on all that takes time so it sometimes adds a month or more to the process.

  31. Avatar

    I interviewed for a position with a leading government contract company back in April 2005. The deadline for my background check to be completed and submitted by the investigator was June 2005. I passed my polygraph (my application is for a TS clearance). I’ve been told my clearance is in the stage but they are waiting for 2 reports to come back. I’m taking the “no news is good news” mentality because no one has told me there are problems with my clearance. But how can I be certain that my application for clearance isn’t sitting at the bottom of a pile somewhere? Also, the longer it takes to obtain the clearance (in my case going on 2 years)doesn’t the agency need to go back over the last 2 years to ensure no changes have occurred in my life? If the Security Clearance Reform is finally here you could have fooled me.

  32. Avatar

    Sorry, some text was incomplete from my earlier posting. I meant to say I passed my polygram in April 2006 and am told my clearance is in the adjudication stage waiting for 2 reports to come back.

  33. Avatar

    Pat,
    I applied for my TS back in 2001 while I was in the military. It was taking a long time…as was everyone else’s. I would check on its progress periodically and they would tell me it’s still under investigation. Then one day, in 2004 (yes, three years and still waiting!) when checking on it, I was told by my security manager that my investigation had been canceled. When he looked further into this it turns out that somehow two separate investigations had been opened for me which apparently isn’t allowed, so they canceled them both. So then I had to start from scratch and reapply. It was adjudicated and finalized in 2005.

    Mine is a rare case, but if I hadn’t been actively checking on it, I wouldn’t have known they canceled my investigation. There should be someone within the company you applied through that is in charge of security clearances and they can check the status for you. Usually, once it’s in the adjudication stage, it only takes a matter of months….not a year.

  34. Avatar

    Great forum!

    I have a question for anyone with the answer.

    I am currently working on a DoD proposal that requires individuals with a Coalition Secret Clearance. Have any of you heard of such a clearance?

    Thanks

  35. Avatar

    Thanks, Amanda. That’s what my fear is, that my investigation has been cancelled or lost or something.
    Everytime someone checks into it, I’m being told that they’re waiting for 2 reports to come back and that it is in the adjudication stage. I would at least like to know if it was denied or approved. I guess I’ll hvae to jsut keep checking on it.

  36. Avatar

    I’m planning on retiring from being a Sr. Probation officer, county level, and am interested in becoming a contract investigator, doing pre-employment interviews and /or maybe customs related investigations. I have spoken to an Hr lady at USIS who told me to contact her in Sept. I’m retiring 12/30/07. I’m willing to relocate to LA for the winter to work. would like to contiue p/t work the other part of the year. What is the likely hood of getting hired under interim security clearance, since I do not have any clearance at this time. Can they put me to work after some training or do you have to wait a long time for clearance to be done? Any suggestions to help me get working as soon after I retire from Probation would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks

  37. Avatar

    This had a lot of great info in it, but who can I call to get an updated status? I have been in the pipe for almost 2-1/2 years. I have a secret, which was pretty simple to renew, but I am waiting for my TS. I haven’t had my polygraph yet, and I am the longest wait in our group. I travelled a lot for a few years, but I was also in the service, many years ago.

    Yesterday I had an interview with a security officer as a witness to someone else’s investigation, and I asked how I can find out about the status, and she told me to call the DISCO customer service number, which I could get from my security office. My security office is pretty small, and they didn’t have the number. I tried googling for it, but I have come up empty.

    Thanks in advance,

    -Kevin

  38. Avatar

    Not Good news. I was working in Aerospace for 5 years with a SCI that was approved in 2000. I had to do my 5 year update at the same time my program ended. I got a follow-on job overseas with a different branch of the same company but before I could get moved I was told the position was cancelled? I am now working at another company and need my SCI again. I contacted the military records to get a copy of my DD214 and all they sent was a single discharge for my NG time not my active AR. I hope I wont have to wait a whole year for a recert of my SCI. If I do I know a few programs that will have problems with coverage. So that means that the companies have to allow more work be done by uncleared people or risk damage with shortages of crew coverage?
    So what good is the investigation then?

  39. Avatar

    Here are some key points. Investigations are running faster. There are more investigators out there with OPM and contract companies. (I know I’m one) The agencies who request the clearance collect the SF86 info from you, either online or paper. There is a hole where it may sit prior to going to OPM if the investigation is not budgeted of there is a continuing resolution for the agency budget. (Call your congressman to pick up the pace on that) OPM has made strive to speed up the process to get it to the investigators. There are national agency checks, letters sent out, investigators check; records, neighbors, employers, friends, and leads for discrepant and derogatory information. Then it’s typed up and sent to review to insure all items are covered and the final report is sent the agency that requests the investigation after adjudication where the agency makes final determination on granting your clearance. These are all necessary steps until there id a central system that all clearances are good for all agencies (perfect world).
    What you can do to speed up the process is list everything back ten years and ask yourself, did I miss anything? Did you list your home base if you were deployed, did you list your parents address where you received mail when you were actually in college? Did you list that DUI or public intoxication when you were on spring break in Vegas? Are your references listed as your preacher, doctor, and obscure college professor? Provide the information that does not fit in a supplement with the case papers to include the who, what, when, where and why. Make the investigation easy and it will flow faster.
    Additional things that might slow you down are if you move every year, worked 100 jobs or have no friends.

    I ramble on but, my view is that decreased requirements would not benefit the country in the end. Investigations are to avoid putting people in positions that they might compromise themselves or the United States.

  40. Avatar

    All the discussion here seems to be about TS. I applied for a mere secret 12 months ago, and am still waiting. There has been no news, and nobody has contacted me or anyone I know for more information. How much longer will I have to wait?

  41. Avatar

    I may be standing corrected soon. I’ve noticed, esspecially in the last 2 weeks some significant decrease in response time. I put in several requests for research and upgrades on clearances. Mainly investigations that were completed but never forwarded for adjudications or investigations that were 3 years old or more.

    I put these in around 2005 until present. OPM has begun answering them. Most of them required OPM to order a file, unsure what they mean by that, but i assume they are pulling the investigation from the archive and forwarding for adjudcation.

    Also, I’ve noticed some fairly rapid investigations lately too. I thought it was a few isolated incidents but we’ve had 5 SSBI’s come back for a TS in about 8 months.

  42. Avatar

    have any of you ever heard the term “Loss of Jurisdiction” regarding clearances?

    I retired from the AF about 18 months ago (have had my TS/SCI for the entire 20 years), got hired on for a project requiring my SCI although the company could not hold it.

    i have gotten offers for better positions, and probably lost one due to this “loss of jurisdiction” and don’t want to lose more. any help you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated.

  43. Avatar

    I believe “Loss of Jurisdiction” applies when you leave the service and switch contractors with a break in employment.

    For example, if a contractor has an open investigation for a TS and before the case reaches adjudication the individual gets a job as a Civil service employee, when the case reaches DISCO for adjudication they no longer can decide because DISCO only makes decisions for contractors, and they adjudicate it as “Loss of Jurisdiction”.

    Because the company could not hold the TS/SCI, I assume this is because their facility clearance wasnt TS/SCI, you probably got a loss of jurisdiction and downgraded to a secret.

    If that is the case your company will have to get cleared for TS/SCI facility clearance or you will have to get hired on for a project requiring one by a compnay that can maintain a TS/SCI and then the FSO will have to submit and upgrade elligibility request in JPAS.

  44. Avatar

    Clearance is one thing how about just getting an Interim. I have applied to work for a company that requires a DOD interim before beginning work. I released my EQIP on March 11, 2007. From there it was supposed to be looked over by the FSO and then sent to the DOD. But it never got that far. Apparently it some how got lost in the DOD system and no one has been able to find it. My FSO sent in a request to find the EQIP…well it is now April 10, 2007 and no word. NO WORD FROM ANYONE at the DOD. They just keep giving him the line “we are doing what we can do to find it sir.” and apparently this has happened to a few thousand people (some type of hard drive crash)I cant say that I am comfortable with having 10 years of my inforation just floating around with the DOD who can not find it. How can the DOD just sit back and tell MAJOR employers of Secret individuals that they need to just sit and wait to hire and get a person to start working. They have the file name of my EQIP, they have my name ans SSN. All I need is an interim to begin. Does anyone know what if anything is being done by the DOD to fix these issues so that we can even get people working for the (interim to start) jobs. I have not even started my Secret process yet. If there is anyone who can help with this situation please let me and everyone else on this blog know.

  45. Avatar

    Mike D:

    Sounds like trouble. Candidates are found in JPAS (Joint Personnel Adjudication System) via Social Security Number only. If any FSO types in your SSN and no records come up, you haven’t been entered in the system.

    Interim Secret clearances usually take no more than 3 months to obtain, provided the information was entered fully and correctly.

    Don’t wait on the DOD to come to you. Have the company FSO look for you in JPAS. If you aren’t in JPAS, work to submit a new EQIP.

    Good luck. Come back here when you hear something and let us know the status.

  46. Avatar

    When I or the FSO call the EQIP DOD “Hotline” and give them my SSN they say that it is there and it shows release time of March 11, 2007 at 11:00 PM. Which is exactly when I released it. They then say that the FSO should have gotten it. He then says that he never got it to check over (issue 1). They than say that they had an issue and thousands of the EQIPs got lossed and he needs to ask for a search. So I said “ask them if we can start all over, I will gladly enter in all 46 pages of personal information again. In which he replys “I cant do that, only they have the power to do this and we have to move at their speed.” Seems to me that this guy doesnt know his stuff. I have other family members working in Contract position whos FSO (different company) has not heard of such an issue. It makes sence to me to click the button to reset and let me get back in, this is completely frustrating. I even went to the length of email them myself and asking for assistance, they replied that the FSO has requested them to look into it, and they will be getting back to him, and to keep in contact with the FSO. This is amazing. thousands of peoples EQIPs, POOOOOOF!!! Talk about a security issue. Does anyone have any ideas or contacts that I can go to for this issue or has anyone heard of this situation, I am going on a month, and the Interims are supposed to take 10 days from release of FSO.

  47. Avatar

    Sounds like to me your FSO doesnt have sufficient rights in JPAS. If he is able to request investigations he can also cancel them.

    Like you suggested, the easiest solution (time wise) would be for him to click on your investigation request, cancel it and then request a new one. You would then login and re enter it. I believe then you would only have to re-answer the yes and no questions and submit it.

    He will get a notification in JPAS that it’s ready for review, he reviews it and submits it to OPM along with any other documentation (fingerprints, etc).

  48. Avatar

    I have asked him if he could just cancel and resubmit me a new EQIP. I even told him that I would have no problem entering ALL the information again. He says that he does not have that capability and we just have to WAIT…. Is that normal for him not to be able to do that? If not him then who should do that? I feel like I am pushing a whole lot harder than he is to get this done. Does anyone have contacts that can possibly look into this?

  49. Avatar

    As of right now the situation is as follows. Apparently on March 3rd. The Eqip system was updated and cause around 2000 files to be somehow lost. This apparently happened last year around the same time. It looks on the DOD side as if I have released my EQIP, but the FSO does not receive it. The FSO has put in 2 separate requests with the EQIP DOD Department to solve this issue (im not sure if he has tried the cancel option yet, he just says that it is not that easy). Each time he puts in a request they tell him to put in another if he is not informed about progress within 14 days. That can not be the right answer for this. Is there no other way around this other than to sit and do nothing? He would not tell me where the requests to fix my file are going, and that is all the information they could give me. Does anyone have contacts that can assist me in this situation because I am on the outside looking in with no contacts other than the FSO that says to wait? I appreciate any response on this situation, because it looks like they lost about 2000 records of 10 years and SSN of peoples lives.

  50. Avatar

    GAO-06-1070 (Sep 06) analysed 2259 Top Secret clearances granted by DISCO in January and February 2006 and found the following average processing time:

    Application submission: 111 days
    Investigation: 286 days
    Adjudication: 39 days

    It makes you wonder who’s sitting on the application form for 111 days.

    Of course the above figures do not include case with more than just minor derogatory information that must be forwarded from DISCO to DOHA proper adjudication.

  51. Avatar

    I recently retired from the Air Force, effective 1 Apr 07. Before I officially retired and whilst on terminal I was notified about a tenative offer for a Civil Service position. I have held a TS-SCI clearance since 1998 and before I retired my clearance was sent up for SBPR. Although my last position in the Air Force didn’t require a TS clearance, my package was still sent forward due to it being time for a periodical. Anyway, the new tenative position I was offer requires a Secret and I have since Retired. Now I have been told that their has been a loss of jurisdication by the AF. What does this mean, because I am still currently waiting for my clearance to be adjudicated and. Will my potential new agency have to do anything to get this clearance package through to get it finally adjudicated? I am going from active duty to a civilian position with the Department of Logistics Agency. It seems it is taking a long while for their security packages to be adjudicated. I am not the only person that they are having this problem with. Is there any other recourse?

  52. Avatar

    Luther Brewer:

    Loss of jurisdiction simply means that the Central Adjudicative Facility (in this case AFCAF) no longer has jurisdiction over you, because you are no longer active duty USAF, nor are you USAFR, AFNG, or DAF civilian. Your SSBI-PR will stop and be filed away without any adjudication by AFCAF. Your TS clearance with the USAF terminated on the day you retired. But don’t worry, none of this has any impact on your ability to receive a Secret clearance from DLA almost immediately after being hired.

    Because you previously held a TS clearance, your last investigation probably occurred about 5 years ago. DLA can grant you a Secret clearance based on your last favorably adjudicated investigation from up to 10 years ago plus a review by DLA of a new SF86, provided you are hired in less than 24 months following your separation from the USAF.

  53. Avatar

    Hello Site Admin,

    I have a current DoD clearance. There may be an answer to my question elsewhere on your website but, I haven’t found it; namely, is my DoD clearance applicable to other government agencies (e.g., DHS, FBI, CIA, etc.)?

    If so, can I supply my clearance information to the non-DoD agency directly or does it have to be verified via some administrative routine?

    Thanx.

  54. Avatar

    Dave – In a perfect world, yes, a DoD clearance would have full reciprocity across all Federal agencies. Unfortunately, this really doesn’t exist these days. For a while, the governement has been hoping to make multiple agency databases of cleared personnel records “talk” to each other. If the DoD says you have a clearance, you should be able to work for another agency. However, since the other agency has no easy and clear way of viewing or moving your clearance information from one agency to another, most candidates have to start the clearance process from scratch again, but for the other agency.

    We have heard from employers that are indeed able to move candidates between Federal agencies. However, we’d say about 90% of contractors have no power or willingness to do this transfer. We regularly get Dept of Energy contracting companies looking for candidates, but aren’t able to easily transfer Dept of Defense cleared candidates. Their resume searches are very restricted to only DoE folks.

    Best case scenario is that the Federal agency directly may have the power to do what you are asking. But from the contractor side, we know it is rarely done due to red tape. Good luck.

  55. Avatar

    I would be very grateful if somebody comments on the following situation:

    my company applied for Secret clearance for me and interim has been granted instantly. My interview happened 10 months later and the clearance has been granted 5 months after that. So, altogether it took 15 months from the moment of filing.

    Just in 20 days after that my security officer informed me that I got “Loss of jurisdiction” and, therefore, lost even interim.

    Several attempts to figure out the reason have not brought much clarity except that my file has been moved to DOHA. Somebody on the side of the line told that the interim should not be issued in the first place and now they are reviewing my file again. The first time they promised to finalize it in 10 days, the second time they promised to sort things out in two month and now they just don’t tell any specific data at all. At this moment it is already 6 months.

    My question is whether letters to my congressmen could move this process forward?

  56. Avatar

    Igor – unfortunately, a letter to a congressperson won’t help. Is there anything in your background that might have caused the clearance to be pulled?

    If there’s nothing in your background that could have caused this, you may want to speak to a lawyer that deals with clearance revocation.

    Has your security officer given any indications at all?

  57. Avatar

    I don’t think I have anything in my background except I am foreign born, naturalized citizen.

    My case is actually rather simple as I have been living in one place for about 10 years and all my sins boil down to one speeding and one parking ticket for all that years and beyond. No immediate family members or property abroad. No foreign passports. That is why interim clearance has been issued on spot.

    The problem is that I have not got any Statement of Reason and they are not going to tell when and whether I get one.

    I am not sure, from what I understood reading various articles on the Internet, that I can use a layer at this point because SOR is not issued. Is it correct? Can I use lawyer without getting it first?

  58. Avatar

    Hello,

    I am a law student conducting some research on the security clearance process. I understand that one of the processes conducted is a Local Agency Check (LAC). Can someone here who has been an investigator explain the process more? I have looked online extensively but all I can get is that basically you check with local law enforcement agencies. My question is more specifically what the actual process is? How do you decide which law enforcement agencies to contact? How exactly do you contact them, by mail, by phone, in person? How many LACs do you normally conduct per person, just one or several? How long does this total process generally take? Do you feel this is an effective process for finding criminal records?

    I read some report online that looked at the effectiveness of LACs (although it still didn’t talk extensively about the process itself) that were conducted in California, Florida, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. It appears that LACs are just sent to the County sheriff’s departments? Wouldn’t that be a weakness? I also noticed that very few minor offenses, such as petty theft or underage possession of alcohol appeared. Are there certain types of offenses that the LACs are not effective at detecting?

    Please either reply to this message or email me at [email protected] . Any help would be much appreciated, and if you know any reliable sources (something I could cite in my legal Note) I would appreciate that as well. Thank you.

  59. Avatar

    I have been waiting for clearance since late January 2007. I am not sure what the delays are because the organization I am waiting on has not given me a lot of info. These are HR people, so I am sure they are overworked. Thus far they have done all they can to communicate with me.

    I think I am waiting for interim clearance, which I find odd because I was under the impression interim clearance was issued immediately. I do have family in 2 different countries (American allies), but very few (4). Could this be the hold up? No other negative history….I don’t think. I am hoping that someone on the board could provide some insight….into what can be the delay.

  60. Avatar

    BB – If you are waiting for Interim Secret clearance, you won’t wait more than 3-5 months at most. Usually on the short side. For a final Secret clearance, you can expect to wait upwards of 12 months.

    Question: Are you working for a Federal contractor or directly for the government?

  61. Avatar

    Admin
    Thank you for input. I was under the impression that I would get interim clearance in 2 weeks. So if I initiated the process in late January- I should get clearance by the end of this month- correct?

    Answer- government

    One more thing….If I have a specific reporting date do the investigators know this?

  62. Avatar

    BB – Interim secret clearance from the government should only take three months. Anyone else here know why this interim would take so long?

    Unknown about the specific reporting date. My hunch is that it has little impact on the investigation.

  63. Avatar

    Not sure if anyone can help but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Here is a very quick synopsis…..My husband is active duty USAF and has been with the military for the last 8 years holding his Secret Clearance.
    We have recently moved to a location that has required his to get a TS clearance. After much confusion his EQUIP/Sf-86 form was submitted September 2006. Around December 2006 we found that there were some financial issues that have arisen from several moves. We went to see a financial counselor to get everything on track, notified the investigator, his first seargent (who then notified his Security manager). Around January 2007, I am assuming the security manager, along with my husband’s commander, stripped him of the Interim TS/SCI and told him they were also suspending his Secret. We made a binder that was supposed to go to AFCAF stating all of our bills, our financial agreements made with these companies, proof of payments, monthly financial statements etc. We have also continued to see the financial counselor monthly and have decreased our total debt 10,000 dollars just since Jan 2007.
    Anyways, my husband was told from the “acting” first seargent that he still had his secret clearance. The paperwork that he has signed in fact confirms that it was only his interim TS that was suspended. In March of 2007, my husband received his administrative punishment (LOR) for all of this even though he honestly came clean. Anyways, this is now June, and we were told that nothing had been sent to AFCAF. Not even the binder that we have worked so hard on. His security manager said that in the JPAS system it says he does not hold his secret anymore, even though he is still allowed to have access to computer info etc.
    So much of this does not make sense. I don’t understand why the security manager has not sent our info to AFCAF and what the process is. I have read a lot of information that this is going to adjuducation, etc. but when do we give the SOR (statement of reasons)? Who do we get that from? If his security manager is the only one who can access the JPAS system, how do we know that his secret was actually taken away since other sites say he still holds an interim TS? His comander is saying that if he doesn’t get his TS, AFCAF will deny him to get his Secret back? (If it was actually taken) Can anyone please help? We are supposed to meet with his commander in two days to discuss where we are financially and he will tell us what kind of recommendation he will do to send to AFCAF.

    Thank you all!!!

  64. Avatar

    Confused: I do know (firsthand) that financial problems are the #1 killer of security clearances.

  65. Avatar

    Confused, if JPAS says your husband no longer holds his Secret clearance, he probably doesn’t have one anymore. This is unfortunate, especially since it sounds like you’ve been working hard to be responsible and honest.

    One suggestion would be to take this information to a security clearance lawyer to ensure you “say” the right things at your upcoming meeting.

    Hopefully some others will chime in here. Good luck, and let us know here how it turns out.

  66. Avatar

    Thank you Brian and admin,

    We actually found out today that the JPAS system says his TS was suspended……nothing about the Secret Clearance. So I hope this helps him to continue to keep his job. His commander also informed us of a current employee who had several worse derogatory things come up and AFCAF granted his clearance. It looks like the commander might put in a favorable recommendation for us, so I am keeping our fingers crossed.

    Admin,
    I did talk to a lawyer in Maryland today as well but he basically told us there isn’t much to be done at this point until we hear back from AFCAF.

    Thank you both so much for your help.

  67. Avatar

    Brian,

    Can I ask….If we have been seeing a financial counselor monthly and have made tremendous progress, do you know if this might help mitigate the financial concerns?

  68. Avatar

    BB

    The four simplest reasons you have not been notified regarding you interim clearance are:

    1. You were denied an interim clearance due to foreign relatives.
    2. Your interim is for a Top Secret Clearance.
    3. You have been determined eligible for interim access, but the interim clearance can not be granted until you are an employee.
    4. Your future agency does not have a mechanism for notifying future employees or is not permitted to make such notifications.

    Keep in mind that only personnel in your future agency’s security office have access to JPAS and your clearance status, not the HR personnel. Clearance notification procedures vary from agency to agency. Usually when an employee first needs access to classified material, the employee is told to report to the security office for a briefing and to sign a non-disclosure form. In large agencies this is done periodically for many people at the same time.

    Don’t worry about #1 above. Anything on a security application that indicates the presence of a potential security/suitability issue can result in the denial of an interim clearance.

    Field investigators will not know about your reporting date unless you provided this information in the comment section of the clearance application. But this doesn’t matter unless a Subject Interview is required as part of your investigation. Other field work (if any) on your case will not be affected by your reporting date.

  69. Avatar

    Greetings, I need help! I am a retired state investigator who conducted “background investigations”. I have my secret clearance completed NOW I NEED TO BECOME AN OPM CONTRACTED INVESTIGATOR. I live in the Fort Bragg, NC area. Please give me some names of companies that need investigators in this area.
    Thanks, Lou
    email me @ [email protected]

  70. Avatar

    MR. Henderson
    1. Thank you- this was very helpful
    2. I do have relatives in foreign countries-not a security risk
    3. I do believe that the interim clearance was for top secret status

    I guess the only thing to do now is wait……and I have become very good at that….

  71. Avatar

    Jeff,
    OPM has set up specific guidelines on how LAC are done. This information is internal information so I am not a liberty to release it. If another individual who posts here wants to tell you OPM’s guidelines for LACs they might but I prefer not to release it.

  72. Avatar

    Dick,
    How do you like working for USIS?

  73. Avatar

    Lou Abbond:

    There are five contract companies that do work for OPM. They are US Investigative Services (USIS); CACI-PTI; Kroll Inc.; Omniplex World Services Corp.; and Systems Application and Technologies, Inc. OPM does 90% of all background investigations for the federal government (1.7 million last year). OPM also has its own federal investigative workforce.

    There are some other contracting opportunities with the FBI and with a few intelligence agencies that do not use any of the five mentioned above.

    Some of these companies may have positions available as a regular employee or as a subcontractor. Both forms of work have their benefits and drawbacks, but people who already enjoy certain retirement benefits often opt for subcontractor positions.

    Fort Bragg should be a good area for you to find a job. USIS is everywhere and should be able to provide full-time opportunities, because they have a rather high turnover rate. I don’t know about the others.

    Be aware that if you have not had a federal security clearance recently, you will probably have to pay for it yourself after you commit to employment with one of these outfits.

  74. Avatar

    BB:

    There was one thing I forgot to mention in my previous post. If you are an applicant at one of the intelligence agencies, interim SCI access eligibility is much less common than approvals for interim collateral clearances.

  75. Avatar

    I may be wrong but from what I understand Omniplex no longer has the contract for OPM. I have been told the demands of OPM were too much for them to handle. Again this is what I have been told. Ominplex still has many other background investigation contracts though.

  76. Avatar

    Hello all,

    I’m a government contractor. I also happen to have “loss of jurisdiction” status on my secret clearance. My FSO have submitted paperwork to have it reinstated last May. Anyone knows the approximate waiting time for cases similar to this to go through?

  77. Avatar

    I was recently layed off from a DOD contract while I had a PRI and request for upgrade to TS investigation ongoing (2+ years). I have disseminated my resume to numerous firms and websites saying I have an active Secret clearance. Recently I accepted a job, but the firm checked my clearance and found it is tagged “Loss of Jurisdiction” and declined to hire me. A friend did a check and found the “Loss of Jurisdiction” was effective the date of my layoff (16 Feb 2007), but the investigation was completed in Oct. 2006. He has never seen this problem and does not know what happened. Does anyone have an idea as to what may have happened to my clearance? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

  78. Avatar

    Steve,

    I recommend you submit Privacy Act requests to both the investigative agency and the adjudicative agency and ask for all information they have in their files regarding you. Four months from case closing to adjudication is too long, if there were no significant suitability issues. I believe average adjudication time during that period was about 50 days.

  79. Avatar

    I recently got my TS/SCI Clearance and amazingly enough my investigator told me it would take 90 days from the interview and it took 89. The clearance took 10 months to complete.

  80. Avatar

    Hello everyone….I am back! My husband’s security manager is a twit. We get no anwsers and I am frustrated. I understand that it takes a while for the full adjudication to go through, does anyone know at what time we can request a hearing? Also is it AFCAF’s new procedure to pull both a Secret clearance along with the Interim TS? Apparently the security manager says so, however, I have not read anything that says this. Does anyone happen to know?

    Thank you!

  81. Avatar

    Confused

    There is an unclassified Air Force Instruction 31-501 (Personnel Security Program Management) that answers many of your questions. Have you or your husband read it?

    Anytime unfavorable information surfaces while a person has an interim clearance, the interim clearance is almost always automatically withdrawn. Interim clearances are withdrawn, not suspended. If the unfavorable information is serious enough, the local commander would immediately suspend all access to classified information and forward the unfavorable information to the CAF (in this case AFCAF) for them to decide about suspending the Secret clearance. Based on what you have described, your husband still has a Secret clearance, but it has probably been suspended.

    An SOR is issued by the CAF (AFCAF in this case). Once they have tentatively decided to deny/revoke a clearance, the SOR will be sent from AFCAF to the security manager (who acts for the commanding officer in these matters). The security manager will give it to your husband and make him sign for it. He then has 10 days to tell AFCAF in writing whether he will rebut the SOR and 60 days to send in the rebuttal. Check out AF Inst 31-501 for details.

    The information in JPAS or other systems regarding your husband’s clearance doesn’t matter. His commander has suspended his access until this matter is properly resolved. No one can revoke your husband’s existing Secret clearance or deny him a final TS clearance without some procedural due process.

    If your husband receives an SOR and rebuts the SOR, and if his TS clearance is ultimately denied and his Secret clearance revoked, then he will have the opportunity to appeal AFCAF’s decision. The appeal can be a written presentation or a personal appearance before an administrative judge. He does not have the right to a hearing. Again, check out AF Inst 31-501 for details.

    I have never in 35 years heard of anyone being denied a TS clearance, but allow to have a Secret clearance. The adjudicative standards for both clearances are exactly the same.

  82. Avatar

    I have a question that hopefully someone can answer or point me in the right direction.

    I was granted an Interim Secret Clearance (as a federal contractor) working on DHS contracts. The approval was pretty quick, as I had previously worked for ICE under DHS (but they had yet to complete the BI..)

    During this time I got an offer to work for the FBI (support staff). They denied my TS/SCI clearance. I did not recieve ANY information as to why it was denied. I honestly dont know what could have been the cause for denial. I passed the poly. Needless to say, the job offer was rescinded based on the results.

    My question: I still want to work for the government. Is it possible to re-apply for a clearance (Secret) or will this denial bar me from ever securing federal employment?

    Thanks!

  83. Avatar

    Missy,

    It is my understanding that you can reapply a year after you have been denied providing you have another government agency that will require you to have a clearance and allow you to start the process all over again.

    Hope this helps!

  84. Avatar

    I am hoping someone can help me with this one…I am waiting to get an interim…I have a bankrupcy 8 years ago. The SO told me that I may not get the interim because of this.

    Can anyone confirm this? I have no other problems with my credit history (all +). No crimial history. No mental health, etc. Will they take that into account for the interim? Basically what are my chances and if the deny the interim, is there anyway to fight that?

    Any help would be appreciated. The position is with a DoD contractor if that makes a difference.

  85. Avatar

    Jess,
    It is not possible to contest the withholding of an interim clearance.

    Your FSO is correct. Eight years for a bankruptcy is borderline. Even though you were not required to list it on your SF86, it could still show up on a credit bureau report. Also, the credit accounts that were absolved in the bankruptcy could still be on your credit report.

    Decisions regarding interim clearances are “pass/fail” on individual criteria. The “whole person” concept is not used.

  86. Avatar

    I´m hoping that someone may be able to answer this one.
    I had a TS/SCI clearance for years (1984 – 2001). I ended up getting another job on the commercial side and was so employed for about 6 years (in other words, I left the clearacne world for those six years). In the meantime, a DOD contractor was interested in hiring me and employed me as a consultant and began processing my clearance (2004). In about November of 2006, the single scope was completed. However, in the adjudication process, it was determined that I “separated” from the field and on my JPAS record it states “Loss of adjudication” (date is May 2007).
    I´m now working for the same DOD contractor who processed my clearance on a 30 day basis with permanant employment dependent on how quickly my clearance can be processed. Would this just require a readjudication? Is there any way to expedite this? What would be the proper steps to follow? Can a interim Secret or Top Secret clearance be issued until this can be resolved? Thanks in advance.

  87. Avatar

    To JBSanDiego,
    I am interested in being an investigator myself and would like to know how you got your job. I have a TS SSBI but have not found any new DoD jobs that fit my specific skills. I am a former Data Configuration Mgr. Thanks for any ideas or suggestions.
    RhikerDadCO

  88. Avatar

    Hello all I am looking for some help. I am in the Army and have had a TS clearance for the last 11 years, well after a 5 year PR, my clearance has come back denied, A LOI was sent out in July of 06, but I was deployed to the middle east. When I finally got back I signed for the LOI, but my security Manager told me I was to late to submit any docs for mitigating or exentuating circumstances. Basically in my military career I had several instances of UCMJ, but the CCF wanted explanations, well I never got to send in any docs becuase I was told I could not. Now my clearance has been denied. I am deployed again and the type unit and job I am in I require a secret clearance. My current commanders want this to be fixed so I can get a clearance again. My security managers are clueless and I am here left wondering where I went wrong in this process. I have not received my letter of denial and do not know the date. How long do I have to submit an appeal to the decision. I am desperate, my commander and others want to write a letter to CCF letting them know I am mission essential, but I dont know where to start, can I submit another EPSQ/E-quip and start all over or do I need to hire a Security clearance lawyer having him or her explain the reason why I did not get a chance to respond to the LOI and a secret clearance at the minium is what I need. thanks.

  89. Avatar

    Patrick:

    Recommend you get the assistance of an Army JAG lawyer immediately. Take any documents you have with you, as well as the name and telephone number of the stateside security manager and your current security manager.

    The time permitted to respond to an LOI/SOR does not begin until the individual receives the LOI. You should have had to sign and date something indicating that you received the LOI. Normally the LOI explains all this. Actually, your stateside security manager should have notified CCF that you were deployed out of the country and given them an approximate return date.

    Did you have a Personal Subject Interview (PRSI) as part of your SSBI Periodic Reinvestigation? If yes, weren’t you given an opportunity to provide mitigating and extenuating information to the investigator?

    You can not appeal a clearance revocation, until you receive official notification from CCF that your clearance has been revoked. The revocation letter explains your right to appeal their decision.

    If you haven’t received a revocation notice, how do you know your clearance has been revoked. Bear in mind that your access would have been automatically suspended by CCF at the same time they issued the LOI. A suspension of access is not the same a revocation of clearance.

  90. Avatar

    I think that they need to re-think the whole scenario about reaching the high school student for a security clearance. Let them go to four year colleges like everyone one else and then get them. There young and confused and some are even immature and not experience enough and can be a major security risk if their not knowledgeable and inexperienced that’s my opinion. You have so many IT college grads that can be very essential and clearable that very much need security clearances. They need to have more recruiters at these colleges with entry level opportunities in support of security clearances. So, that they can get the experience they need and a clearance. What’s the point of promoting college to your children if they really don’t need it? If they can go right into the government and get these high paying jobs; what’s the need for college? What kind of hope does the current college student and grads have in obtain clearance and a good paying job, if your going to the high schools implementing programs and recruiting for security there which makes no sense to me. I’m now college grads in pursuit of an MSIS and I have been waiting forever for an opportunity; when will it be my turn?

  91. Avatar

    Good afternoon all! I am a Marine who recently separated and is looking to get a job as a contractor with Loockheed Martin or ITT industries. The job that I am being offered right now requires a SECRET level clearance. I had to submit for a new investigation due to it was my 10th year mark in the Marine Corps. I resubmitted a new EPSQ, sf-86 and the investigation was completed. As the adjudication processed started my End of Active service came up and now potential employers look me up on their own JPAS system and it shows a “Loss Of Jurisdiction”. I understand that is the case when Im in the adjudication process and I change employment status, active duty to civilian. The company that wants to hire me says that due to the Loss Of jurisdiction Message that I have to do yet another SF-86 and Eqip form which is a tedious process. Can they just contact DONCAF, the navy adjudication facility and get the other investigation pulled and adjudicated? IT seems like a total waste of time to go through ALL of the investigation process if there is one already completed. Need feedback please. My career is resting on it!!

  92. Avatar

    I used to hold a TS with polygraph. In 2003, I returned my clearance because I married a Canadian Citizen and moved to Canada. If I move back to the USA down to road, will I have problem obtaining the clearance? I’m currently holding a Maple Leaf PR. Some cleared friends told me not to acquire the Canadian Citizenship or I will have problem getting the clearance, is that true?

  93. Avatar

    Afganvet:

    My advice is to do a new eQIP. When it is received at DISCO, they will automatically check JPAS, see your prior unadjudicated investigation, and probably use that investigation to adjudicate a new clearance.

  94. Avatar

    Pman:
    Simply having a spouse with Canadian citizenhip should not be a problem for a collateral clearance. For SCI eligibility, you will need a waiver. Obtaining Canadian citizenship might result in loss of US citizenship. Because the wording of US citizenship laws regarding loss of citizenship is somewhat vague, you should seek legal advice regarding this. Even if you don’t loose US citizenship, having dual citizenship will be a problem. There are other issues surrounding the “foreign preference” and “foreign influence” criteria used for adjudicating clearances that you should make yourself aware of.

  95. Avatar

    Patrick,

    I’m going through the exact same thing with one of my subcontractors. I was told by DSS that you can request clearance again one year after denial. I have done that and it is now with DOHA. Not sure how long it will take to get the clearance. BTW, I also spoke with DOHA about not getting paperwork back to them in the 30 days that they had asked for. I was told to submit it anyway, even if the 30 days is up. It can’t hurt!

  96. Avatar

    Can someone tell me what an intermittent SPIN ivestigator is and what SPIN stands for?

  97. Avatar

    John:
    A SPIN is a Special Interview. OPM has two types of Subject Interviews, a PRSI (Personal Subject Interview) and a SPIN. The PRSI is a regular component of the SSBI, SSBI-PR and some public trust investigations. A SPIN is used only to resolve unfavorable information and can be used in any investigation.

    I have never heard of an “intermittent” SPIN investigator, but I can guess that it is a part-time contract investigator who only conducts SPINs.

  98. Avatar

    I have a quick question. I currently maintain a TS/SCI; however, it expires in mid-june time frame and up for renewal. I’m now leaving the mil in may on honorable discharge and been hired by a company that requires TS/SCI. Is the renewal process going to put me in a situation where I can not work for the contracting company? If so, what can I do to speed up the process so I’m not prevented from working. Thanks

  99. Avatar

    A DOD contractor is processing an expedited SSBI for my TS. Is the cost that the contractor incurs (4085, according to another blog I found on this site) a flat fee, or does the cost increase as man hours are invested in field investigation? I ask this because I am a military brat, and have lived in quite a few places both domestically and abroad. Obviously my investigation will take longer, and I want the contractor to be aware of any otherwise unforeseen charges.

    Thanks!

  100. Avatar

    masint:
    DoD contractors do not pay for security clearance investigations. DoD pays. The money comes from government funds specifically appropriated for that purpose. If OPM is involved the money is transferred from DoD/DSS to OPM. It’s a flat fee.

  101. Avatar

    I was denied my interim clearance, my thought is due to me writing an addendum about my past financial history when I was younger. I have since been cleaning my credit and have no delinquint accounts since my past credit issues in 2004. I have never had any bankruptcys, no leins, and no foreclosures. Do I have a fair shot of getting a final clearance. Also the is for a public trust position.

  102. Avatar

    URGH!!! So my husband has now been waiting for his TS/SCI for over two years now. His squadron in total has been harassing him (long story short) The security manager keeps telling him that he does not have a clearance at all, even though he has not received anything saying that even his secret was taken away. Long story short is that my husband had an old bill that he forgot to list on his SF-86 back in mid 2006. As soon as he remembered, he told his investigator and has sought means to eliminate the debt. He let his squadron know, which I too felt was the right thing to do. Ever since telling his squadron, he has been harassed by his security manager, Commander and first sergeant. He has asked the security manager several times in the past two years for a JPAS report. Only recently the security manager has provided one. Under adjudication summary it states….
    “Pending Incident Report Adjudication of NACS, Opened 2006 10 04, Closed 2008 10 04, AFCAF
    Pending PSI Adjudication of SSBI OPM, Opened 2006 09 28, Closed 2007 12 19, AFCAF
    Interim SCI Adjudication of NACS OPM, Opened 2006 10 04, Closed 2006 10 04, determined elgibility of interim SCI on 2006 10 13 ACAF
    PSI Adjudication of EMAC DSS, Opened 1998 02 23, Closed 1998 02 03, determined Elgibility of Secret on 1998 11 05, AFCAF”

    When looking at this it appears that his clearance has gone through although his security manager says that it has not. I am thinking that if there is nothing left that is open the investigation is done right? Can anyone please help us with understanding this? Can his security manager go in and change this information at any time or can only AFCAF have those rights? Please help….we cannot continue with the harassment and the security manager is no help!

  103. Avatar

    I had a bankruptsy about 25 years ago and a foreclosure ( one of the many in Calif.) last year. When I called DOS they did not say that would dissqualify me neccessarily but it just takes time. I was told to go back 10 years but did list my bankruptsy.If I had not listed the bankruptsy would they not have access to that info anyway or did I do myself harm.

  104. Avatar

    It took me FOUR years to get my clearances because of crazies involved in the process. And the abuse I put up with while waiting…ugh. Unbelievable. Everyone likes to remind you that you’re not good enough because you don’t have your clearance yet.

    But I have it now. Unfortunately, I’m seeing that the crazies are on the other side too. Where oh WHERE are sane people? I work with people that have been arrested multiple times, have DUIs, domestic abuse charges against them, are going to trial….it’s unbelievable. They’re not going to be fired either. I thought we got clearances to weed out these nut-jobs!

    This field SUCKS