The process to apply for a security clearance includes completing the security clearance questionnaire (SF-86 or “e-QIP”) and a background investigation.  The investigation made include an interview of the applicant, field investigations, obtaining court, medical, and financial records, and a polygraph.  The investigation is driven by the level of clearance sought and the issues identified during the investigation.

The investigation is forwarded to an adjudicator for the agency.  For DoD clearances, the adjudicators are at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).  DCSA is the largest security clearance clearinghouse in the federal government and handles all clearances for DoD military, civilians, and contractors.  Members of the Intelligence Community such as the National Security Agency (NSA) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have their own adjudicators.

On occasion, adjudicators will contact applicants or use investigators to obtain additional information from an applicant or holder going through a reinvestigation.  This may be in the form of a request for information sent via the security manager or a phone call from an investigator.  At the first sign that there are concerns regarding your eligibility to hold a national security position, you should reach out to Korody Law.

Word choice is important with security clearance adjudicators.  So is providing supporting documentation.  The attorneys at Korody Law are experienced using the right words and providing the right documents to mitigate security clearance concerns.   This is very important with respect to criminal conduct, drug use, and financial issues.