DCSA Interrogatories and Default Clearance Denials
DCSA Interrogatories are putting clearance applicants on notice—but some of the agency’s warnings may go beyond its actual authority.
View ArticleNo More Badges: DCSA Changes How Investigators Identify Themselves
DCSA is eliminating badges for investigators and other security personnel as part of what it calls a modernization effort.
View ArticleA Simple Data Change Could Transform the Security Clearance Process
DCSA publishes clearance timelines, but many applicants lack the detailed data needed to realistically estimate how long their case may take.
View ArticleSEAD 4’s ‘Deviation’ Rule: What Overseas Applicants Need to Know
Spending years overseas for school or work can create investigative gaps that jeopardize clearance eligibility under SEAD 4.
View ArticleSIR or SOR? How to Tell the Difference
If you don't know what to look for, it’s easy to mistake a DCSA Supplemental Information Request (SIR) for an SOR (Statement of Reasons).
View ArticleYankee White Clearances Reexamined
For decades, rumors have swirled around this elite-sounding clearance—but the truth is far more bureaucratic, and far less mysterious.
View ArticleNuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) Explained
The Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is the DoD’s program to ensure nuclear personnel are stable, competent, and fully reliable.
View ArticleFinancial Matters in the New PVQ
The two sections on financial matters in the new (but yet to be implemented) Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ) have a few major changes.
View ArticleNew DCSA Due Process “Personal Appearance”
DCSA’s new “Personal Appearance” process adds a virtual opportunity for applicants to present their case before a final clearance decision.
View ArticlePersonnel Vetting Questionnaire Leaves Off Demographic Data
The new Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ) omits key demographic information, including gender and physical characteristics. While this raises concerns about the effectiveness of neighborhood...
View ArticleHow a Drug Involvement Statement of Intent Can Help Clearance Applicants
A signed Drug Involvement Statement of Intent can help clearance applicants mitigate past drug use issues by affirming their commitment to abstain. To maximize its impact, include it in your SF86 and...
View ArticleNew DCSA Due Process and Appeals Procedure
An important change in due process allows applicants a due process hearing with DCSA prior to a clearance denial or revocation decision for DoD civilians, military servicemembers, and SCI contractor...
View ArticleBeware Well-Intentioned Security Clearance ‘Advice’
Many people who offer security clearance advice in person or on a weblog or forum are well intentioned, but they often base their advice on their own personal experience as a clearance applicant....
View ArticleBeware: Bogus AI-Generated Security Clearance Books
With AI obviously in the mix, book buyers will have to exercise caution when purchasing a book on security clearances.
View ArticleThe Case for Equal Reporting Standards in U.S. Security Clearances
People with Top Secret clearances are not required to be more trustworthy than people with Secret clearances.
View ArticleMarijuana Use and Involvement in the New Security Clearance Questionnaire
Part A, Section 13 covers Marijuana and Cannabis Derivative Use. While the form seems to streamline some of the reporting requirements, the simple word 'receive' could trip up more applicants than ever.
View ArticleDrug Use and Involvement -Excluding Marijuana – In the New Security Clearance...
Section 12 of the new Personnel Vetting Questionnaire has 5 threshold questions about drug use and other involvement.
View ArticleRap Back Program and Security Clearance Continuous Vetting
Rap Back is short for “Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background.” Here's how information gets from the FBI to the security clearance continuous vetting program.
View ArticleSubstantial Evidence: What Is It And Why Does It Matter?
Substantial evidence is the standard of proof used for security clearance eligibility determinations. Like other standards of proof, it isn’t well defined.
View ArticleDCSA and ODNI Need a Security Clearance Ombudsman
The lengthy security clearance delays and the lack of government response highlights the need for an ombudsmen to support the system.
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