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Understanding Key Steps of the Security Clearance Adjudication Process

For individuals who must go through the security clearance adjudication process, it can be a nervous and confusing process. Each individual attempting to obtain a security clearance must have a sponsor, but if security concerns arise, the adjudication process can be different depending on your place of employment.

Each process starts with the completion of a Standard Form 86 (SF-86), and if security concerns are found, the adjudication process branches off into two separate paths: one for those employed by DOD contracting companies (DOD contractors), and the other for either federal employees (DOD civilian employees) or members of the military.

Adjudication Process for DOD Contractors

The adjudication process for DOD contractors is governed by DOD Directive 5220.6 and requires that the Agency provide a written statement of the reasons why the security clearance may be denied or revoked. This is commonly referred to as a Statement of Reasons (SOR).

The SOR instructions provide for 20 days to respond in writing to the allegations, and then the individual would have the option of requesting a hearing in front of an Administrative Judge with the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) or requesting a decision on the written record by an Administrative Judge with DOHA.

While the hearing provides opportunities for live testimony and witnesses, regardless of what option is chosen, the Administrative Judge will issue a written decision to either grant or deny/revoke one’s security clearance.

If an individual has an active security clearance during the DOD contractor adjudicative process, their clearance will remain unaffected until the Administrative Judge issues a decision, as long as they retain their sponsor.

Adjudication Process for Military Members and DOD Civilian Employees

The process for military members and DOD civilian employees is similar, as the adjudication process for any security concerns begins with a SOR being issued. However, once the SOR is issued, the process begins to change.

Military members and DOD civilian employees are typically given 30-60 days to respond to a SOR in writing. The difference between this process and that of a DOD contractor is that the written response, which is submitted to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), will issue a written decision after submission of the written response, and should DCSA issue an unfavorable decision, one’s security clearance will be denied or revoked before being granted the opportunity to personally appear in front of an Administrative Judge from DOHA.

Essentially, military members and DOD civilian employees will only be afforded an opportunity to appear in front of an Administrative Judge after their clearance is denied or revoked, as opposed to DOD contractors, who are able to attend a hearing before any denial or revocation decision is made.

Key Differences and Takeaways

The key difference between the adjudication processes is when an individual has the opportunity to personally appear in front of an Administrative Judge with DOHA. Additionally, for military members and DOD civilian employees, the DOHA Administrative Judge does not make the final decision in their cases, as they simply make a recommendation to the Personnel Security Appeals Board (PSAB), and ultimately the PSAB makes the final decision to either affirm or overturn the revocation/denial decision by DCSA. Whereas the DOHA Administrative Judge does make the final decision for DOD contractors unless an appeal is filed.

Since DOD contractors have the option to request a hearing, it is typically advisable for them to take advantage of that option. However, this is a decision for the security clearance applicant/holder to make based on the specific facts of their case and circumstances.

Additionally, the importance of responding thoughtfully in writing should not be underestimated. By providing a thorough response to the specific security concerns with succinct and strong arguments of mitigation, one can set themselves up best to receive a favorable outcome.

Since the security clearance adjudication process can vary depending on your role, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of an experienced security clearance attorney to assist with your understanding of the process. Regardless of whether you have responded or are in the middle of responding, if a final decision has yet to be made, it is strongly advised to seek assistance, since having an ally to help you navigate your next steps forward and how to adhere to the proper adjudication process can be the difference between maintaining your clearance or facing a denial/revocation that could cause a significant delay in your career advancement.

Find more security clearance articles here.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. The views expressed in this publication are the author’s and do not imply endorsement by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Intelligence Community, or any other Government Agency.