Security clearance process: tips to speed it up and make it more manageable
January 16, 2008
Security clearances … you may cringe at those first words if you’re in the process of hiring someone that requires a security clearance. Is the process broken or are we not asking enough questions at the get-go? As a security professional, I’ve been asking myself these questions so that I may better serve my clients and their potential employees. Plus, I want to avoid the migraine that creeps in as the days go by and a clearance isn’t issued.In light of this, I thought I would start a conversation around a couple of the tips. I most often encourage my clients to keep in mind when they’re looking to speed the process along and to avoid future litigation:First, pre-screen the applicant using the privacy section of the SF86 or work with a qualified security firm to do so. This form can be your best friend in determining which applicants will need a longer up-front clearance time and which will likely go through the process on a speedier basis. Working with a security firm to collect this information will enable you to get the best idea possible about timeframe, since the process is confidential and information is not shared with the employer, freeing applicants to share more information openly.Secondly, when you do make an offer, ensure that the applicant’s offer letter
includes wording stating that the offer “is contingent on favorable adjudicated clearance.” This is important for legal reasons, but also to prepare the applicant for intense personal and professional screening. If the applicant doesn’t pass the initial pre-screening, then it is much easier to transition to the next step of finding a position that does not require a clearance, or simply to move on in your search.
I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on streamlining this sometimes frustrating process to make all of our lives, and our clients’, easier. Let me hear from you!
Entry Filed under: Security tips. Tags: adjudicated clearance, personnel screening, pre-screening, security clearance, security firm, SF86.
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1.
Carolyn Johnson | February 19, 2008 at 1:27 pm
What is the estimated time to update a TOP SECRET CLEARANCE and how far from the expiration date should an individual submit update paperwork?
2.
Allison | February 26, 2008 at 2:45 am
Wow, thanks for the tips Diane. I’ll pass them on to those I know who are bogged down in the process.
3.
sfassociates | March 2, 2008 at 1:41 am
For an Update or Periodic Reinvestigation of a Top Secret clearance the estimated time varies. It depends on if the subject has had changes since his last investigation. i.e. arrested, foreign travel, credit issues, etc.
Paper work for an update or Periodic Reinvestigation can be submitted @ 4 years 6 month.
4.
Lakeshia Gerald | March 6, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Is it mandatory for an aspiring FSO to take the FSO Management class in Lithicum, MD?
5.
sfassociates | March 13, 2008 at 1:33 am
Per the NISPOM 3-102 contractors shall be responsible for ensuring that the FSO complete security training considered appropriate by the CSA.
It is not mandatory for the aspiring FSO to take the FSO management course, but it is advisible.
6.
sfassociates | March 13, 2008 at 1:35 am
Bush administration officials hope to resolve one of the government’s most vexing problems before leaving office — how to speed up security clearances for federal employees and contract workers.
THIS STORY
Administration Wants Background Checks Put on Fast Track President Bush, in a memo to agency directors Tuesday, said he wants “aggressive efforts to achieve meaningful and lasting reform.” He directed key officials to submit a plan for speeding up and improving background checks and security clearances by the end of April.
What are your thoughts?
7.
Angela Dingle | March 28, 2008 at 2:56 am
Diane,
Thanks for touching on a serious topic for small business owners. Your tip regarding the wording in offer letters is very valuable. Without it, one could end up paying for a new hire to sit on overhead while awaiting his/her clearance, which we all know could be a long time.
On the President’s plan for fast tracking clearances, I would love to see the government use more innovative IT solutions to speed up the process. Whether he’ll get a meaningful plan by April 30 is yet to be seen.
8.
mark | June 19, 2008 at 10:20 pm
June 20, 2008 at 12:17 am
i had my interview at the American embassy a year and a couple of weeks ago and i have been waiting for the security clearance to complete but the dilemma is still ongoing.
married to US citizen ,applicant’s country Syria .
type of visa immigration visa