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Getting a Security Clearance
Hosted by Derrick Dortch
Assistant Director
Georgetown University Career Center
Monday, April 8, 2002; Noon EDT
Are you interested in working for the government but not sure how to break into the industry? Talk to Derrick Dortch about it.
Derrick Dortch is the assistant director of the Georgetown University Career Center. He also served with the Marines and worked as a counselor helping people make the transition from the military to civilian life.
Because of his military background and years spent as a career counselor, Derrick is ready take any of your questions so fire away!
For this discussion, Derrick offers advice on getting a security clearance.
The transcript follows below.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Derrick Dortch: I hope you had a good weekend and I know you will have a good week. Today is another outstanding day in Washington, D.C. and around the world and we are going to have an outstanding show. Security Clearances are our topic but if you have any other questions about working for the government, military transition or careers then please ask. I will try to get to each and every question.
Well without further delay on to the show. Thanks for your questions and for stopping by the show.
Mitchellville, Maryland:
What is the usual turnaround time for gaining security clearance? Two years ago, I filled out all the necessary papers for gaining security clearance when I applied for a federal government contract assignment. I was told by the company who issued the contract that It normally takes two months. Two years have since passed since they told me this.
Derrick Dortch: Hello Mitchellville,
Welcome and thanks for the question. Mitchellville is a lovely city. Honestly, the turnaround time for security clearance can range from 6 months to a couple of years depending on the type of clearance, the priority level or other factors. I can only assume that you were given a temporary clearance in order to work on certain projects as a contractor. With the large number of people the adjudicators have to clear there is a huge backlog of clearances pending. Also if your clearance is not priority then often times your process will be delayed. Saying that, two years is a long time and I would suggest that you talk to the security clearance officer at your organization and ask them what is the status of your clearance. If they are not sure they can call the Defense Security Service or whatever agency is doing your adjudication process and find out the status of your clearance. I hope this helps. Take care.
Odenton, Md.:
In the early 1970s I had a Secret security clearance which elapsed when I no longer worked in a position that required a clearance. In 1994/95 I was working for a consulting firm on site at the State Dept. and was in the process of having my security status reinstated when my job was eliminated.
What is the likelihood of my acquiring a position in government that requires a security clearance even though, currently, mine has expired?
Derrick Dortch: Odenton,
How are you? Your chances for getting a job with the government that requires certain clearances are good since you seem to have some great experiences already. Do understand you will have to go through the security clearance process again since it has been quite some time since you had a clearance or were in the process of being cleared.
Since you once had a clearance and have worked for the State Department and other agencies you should have a strong chance of being employed by a government agency. DOD, State, DIA, NSA, etc are all looking for people with certain qualifications and experiences. If you fit them then apply now. You can find opening on each agencies internet site as well as USAJOBS (www.usajobs.opm.gov). Take care.
Arlington, Va.:
A two-parter:
1. Can you obtain a clearance even if you are not employed in a position that requires one.
2. Say I had a Secret Clearance for a job I held in 1995-96. Is it still good?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington,
Two Answers:
1. No - If you are not working for the government directly or in a contract position that requires a clearance you can not get one. The government is the only one who can give clearances and they only give them to those who need them.
2. No. If you had a clearance in 1995 then it is no longer good. Clearances usually expire after you leave an agencie or the military. If you are employed by an agency within a certain time limit you may be able to get that clearance reinstated.
Here are the facts from DSS (Defense Security Service)
www.dss.mil/psi/faq.htm
FROM THE DSS Website
If I Had a Clearance or a Favorable PSI in the Past, Can I Now Get a Clearance for Another Position?
To be issued a clearance for another position, you must meet the following requirements:
For A Clearance at a Cleared Facility Under the NISP, the termination date of your former clearance must have been within the past 24 months, and there must not have been any subsquent adverse information on you that would preclude you from being issued a new clearance. If you do not meet these requirements, the employing organization may ask you to complete an EPSQ for them to request DSS to perform a PSI on you.
For Federal or Military Service, the date you left prior federal or military service must have occurred less than 24 months ago. However, there must not have been any subsequent adverse information on you that would preclude you from being issued a new clearance. In addition, if your initial investigation or PR was not completed within the timeframe described in the answer to the previous question, an investigation may have to be requested before you can be granted another clearance.
I hope this helps. Take care.
Arlington, Va:
Time lines
I am just touching cases where the investigation opened in May 2000 by DSS. The EPSQ ( the elctronic foprm you fill out for a clrnc) was submitted on 3/15/00. The case was closed by DSS in 7/01. The clearance should be to the individual some time within the next 60 days.
This is quick BTW.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: Thanks, great to see you again!
Arlington, Va.:
Currently most DOD adjudication facilities are experiencing a six- to 12-month backlog. before they get to the completed DSS investigations. DSS is still having problems since many cases still lack the necessary scope and many issues are not resolved. DOD is attempting to bring on board a new system for cases and clearance management which should slow things down even further. Many DOD adjudication facilities are looking for help. No experience necessary. You need to be eligible for a TS to TS/SCI clearance. Some positions are temp. These are not just single openings but multiple openings. Many DOD adjudication facilities are having trouble finding applicants who once selected actually choose to come on board.
Liberal arts majors welcome! GS-7 is starting point for most of the jobs.
Some DOD adjudication facilities have backlogs of 10,000 or more cases.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: Thanks again!
Washington D.C.:
Speaking of secret clearances, what is the process? Can you obtain one without having an employer request it for you?
Can a traffic ticket prevent a clearance?
What about unpaid parking tickets or other types of minor vehicle issues, such as speeding 10 - 15 miles above the limit?
Thanks.
JB
Derrick Dortch: Washington, DC
Great day in DC isn't it.
No you can not obtain one if an employer does not request it. You have to work for the government or be government contractor.
Minor offenses will not prevent you from getting a security clearance. I do suggest you clear them up but this is not the main concern in a clearance process. If you are asked about any offenses make sure you tell the truth. Any deception that is discovered in the adjudication process will immediately disqualify you.
If you want more information on what are disqualifiers go to this site:
http://www.dss.mil/training/adr/adjguid/adjguidF.htm
Take care.
Washington D.C.:
What kinds of clearances are there in the government?
What will prevent an applicant from obtaining a "secret clearance"? Please be as detailed as possible.
For instance, can a bankruptcy on your record prevent you from getting a top secret clearance?
Thanks.
JB
Derrick Dortch: Hello Washington,
Bankruptcy and other financial problems can be disqualifiers because the government is concerned whether you may use information that you have access to to give to certain countries to help you out of your financial situation.
In the Adjudication Desk Reference there is a section on Financial Considerations> This will be helpful and should anwser all of your questions.
http://www.dss.mil/training/adr/adjguid/adjguidF.htm
Take care and if you have more questions please contact me on the message boards.
Arlington, Va.:
Most DOD adjudication facilities are hiring.
Multiple positions. US citizneship required.
Eligibility for TS or TS/SCI required. Drug testing etc. Liberal arts graduates welcome.
Many positions are term positions which might result in a permanent position. Some facilities may need 10-20 or more adjudicators. Starting pay grade GS-7 usually without any experience.
Derrick Dortch: Thanks for the input!
Columbia Md.:
I currently have a TS, and want to get the full TS/SCI. Is this only availible to ex-military, and contracts that can sponsor me?
Derrick Dortch: No TS/SCI are also available to civilians. It is more about the occupation and job you are in rather than if you are military or non-military. Look for jobs within your agency or look for contracts that require that type of clearance and then apply. If you have a TS then it should not be hard for you to get into a department or position that requires TS/SCI. It is only give on an as needed basis. So you will have to need it to get it. Take care.
Washington D.C.:
If you work for the DIA and then accept a job at the CIA, you will still be re-investigated - eventhough the intelligence commmunicaty have a reciprocal agreement.
Derrick Dortch: More advice from readerland, thanks!
Mitchellville, Md.:
Hi Derrick...
I have had extensive background checks from different government agencies (NASA, EPA, etc.) that included a seven year background check, credit check and other references. Now that I am seeking employment and my field is the IT industry, everyone wants clearances. What if anything, do these background checks amount to, if anything, clearance wise? Is there any way that I can find out or complete the clearance process?
Thanks!
Derrick Dortch: Hello, Mithellville,
Security clearance provide the government an opportunity to see if you can be trusted to work for the government and keep its secrets. That is the bottom line. It also looks to see if you are a person of integrity and that you do not have anything in your past or present that will be detrimental to the government or can be used to get you to betray the government and leak sensitive information. Take care.
Arlington, Va.:
CIA requires a lifestyle polygraph. Most other agencies take CIA adjudications. CIA does take anyone else's adjudications except for maybe NSA. It is very difficult to get clearance info from CIA even if your are another govt agency or DOD.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: Thanks for your help, always good to see you!
Va.:
Two people at my defense contractor left after waiting for one year for clearance. They were both under "escort required." Please stay in your current job after you accept the other job until your clearance is done - even for one year.
Derrick Dortch: Interesting.
Arlington, Va.:
Minor traffic tickets can show a pattern of failure to follow rules and regs. Depends on what else is out there. Unpaid traffic and parking tickets demonstrates a failure to pay
accounts on time and additionally if a Failure to Appear warrant is issued indicates additional criminal conduct. Most minor traffic citations are not a problem. Remember in VA Reckless Driving or Speeding over 20mph is a Class misdemeanor.
Derrick Dortch: Thanks for the tip!
Vienna, Va.:
Whats up, Bro? Got a question for you. You seem to do a lot of discussions about security clearances. What good is a clearance REALLY, anyway? Don't you think they are generally overrated? Look at Hansen, Pollard, Ames, and so many of the other moles that have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar over the years. They ALL had clearances and were generally trusted people, and we don't even know right now how many moles are selling us out right now as we speak and just haven't been caught yet.
My point is...do you think that clearances just may be overrated in their ability to pump up a person's resume, and should the government consider relaxing the standards for them?....it seems the people with the highest clearances commit some of the worst crimes.
Derrick Dortch: You have a good question. I personally do think clearances are a good thing. They ensure some degree of security to agencies that hire people to work with sensitive information. In every organization there will be some bad sees and Ames, Hansen and others were those seeds. This is why we have to have people consistently checking on those who have top level access. But simply I do think it is a good thing. Take care.
Arlington, Va.:
A year for a contractor clearance is not very long. 24 to 30 months is the average time.
The contractor backlog is very large and growing
by hundreds of cases a month.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: Thanks again!
Arlington, Va.:
Most common reasons your clearance is denied or revoked:
1. Financial
2. Alcohol
3. Criminal
4. Drugs
5. Foreign influence/ foreign preference
Having a current foreign passport is bad news.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: And still more advice from our adjudicator friend at DOD.
Washington DC:
Is it harder or easier to get a clearance right out of college?
Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,
It is not either. It really depends on who hires you, your experiences, background, travels and other details. These are factors that are taken in consideration not whether you are a recent grad. This may be taken into consideration on what type of job you get with the government or a contractor but not the clearance. Take care.
Re. DOD in need of help:
Where can one find info on DOD employment?
Derrick Dortch: Hello DOD in need of help.
There are two places you can find DOD employment. First go to USAJOBS at www.usajobs.opm.gov and look under job openings. Under that section do an "Agency" job search. Look for Department of Defense. This will pull up a massive amount of listings.
Secondly go to the DOD website at www.defenselink.mil and look for civilian opportunities.
One last way is to find out what agencies fall under DOD. For instance DIA - Defense Intelligence Agency. These agencies have their own websites and employment pages and will have information on them about opportunities.
Take care.
Washington D.C.:
What is an acceptable amount of prior drug use when being considered for a Top Secret clearance.
Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,
Good question. Drug use is a problem when getting a clearance. If you are or were a heavy user is could be an automatic disqualifier. Each agency has its own guidelines on drug use and you must meet them usually to get hired. In the Adjudication Desk Reference their is a section on drug involvement. It should be helpful. Also ask the agency that you are applying to about their drug use policy.
Here is the link"
http://www.dss.mil/training/adr/adjguid/adjguidF.htm
Take care
Odenton, Md.:
I'd like to ask the Arlington DOD adjudicator where I can apply for an adjudicator position. Is there info online? Where? Do I need to go to an specific office? Where?
Thank you.
Derrick Dortch: Are you still here DOD adjudicator?
Arlington, VA:
If your clearance was adjudicated by one of
DOD civilian/military CAFS you should already by eligible for TS/SCI. They adjudicate to the highest level of eligibility and access. Contractors are a different story. Usually only
collateral TS or TS/SCI.
Standards are the same for TS and TS/SCI except
if you have Non US citizen and/or foreign born family members.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: Thanks!
Northeast USA:
A woman at my work with TS/SCI is dating a foreign national. To whom should I report? The security people at my work doesn't care. DSS?
Derrick Dortch: Hello NE,
Dating a foreign national is not a crime. If her behavior is suspicious or you have some concerns you have done the right thing by reporting it to the security officials at your job. If they are aware of the situation and do not seem concerned then things may be okay. If you have additional concerns report them to your supervisor. If you see some behavior that is not correct being done then I would document that behavior and the date and time and what you noticed and then report it to the security officials again.
Please do understand that dating a foreign national is not a crime this person does have the right to do this. If you have taken all the steps you can and everything is fine then everything is okay. I do commend you being aware of situations in the office. Take care.
Arlington, Va:
Drug Use
How recent, how much, how many different types,
did you sell or buy and your future intent.
Be truthful and honest most importantly. You never know what your references will say.
Back in the bad old days use of LSD automatically disqualified you from having a clearance no matter how many time or how long ago. Flashbacks!
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: Thanks again!
Washington, DC:
With a 10,000 backlog I would think DOD could use all the help I can get, including part-time positions. I'd like to find out about those positions. Could you please provide the website. WashingtonJobs.com:
http://www.defenselink.mil/sites/
Derrick Dortch: Thanks, producer Korina.
Dulles, Virginia:
The Transportation Security Agency has recently given job offers to 600+ supervisors for the new federal screener function. I filled out an extensive background questionnaire for a security investigation for sensitive positions as part of the assessment process. Given the backlog mentioned in other postings, how on earth will TSA be able to process all of these forms and get the federal screener workforce in place quickly?
Derrick Dortch: Dulles,
You have a great question. It will take time to for them to go through the large amount of applicantions for selection to hire and for them the go through the clearance process. The TSA will probably have their own adjudicators work on this task and may hire some contractors to be of assistance. In the meantime I can only assume that some temporary clearances will be given to individuals to get them started. Take care.
Just a THANK YOU!:
Derrick,
I just wanted to thank you -- and the DOD respondants as well-- for answering all these questions. I know they have been a great help to me ... very informative.
A great big T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U ! ! ! to all of you.
Odenton, MD
Derrick Dortch: And thank you for tuning in, glad to help!
Arlinton, Va.:
Check usajobs, Navy, Army and AF civilian sites
Also check the website for Washington Headquarters Service on a regular basis. Positions under GS-080. Personnel Security Specialists. DSS is also hiring investigators
for their Annandale office. See WHS site http://persec.whs.mil/hrsc/index.html
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: Thanks again!!
WashingtonJobs.com:
Hey folks, good news. Since there are so many questions today, Derrick has agreed to keep answering questions until 12:30 today. So stick around!
Arlington, Va.:
The cowrker dating the foreign national must report it to her SSO. It is violation if she doesn't. It is required to report all foreign contacts when one has TS/SCI. I did when I dated
foreing nationals. Take it to your SSO not your security manager.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: You hear that concerned co-worker?
Falls Church, VA:
Hi Derrick,
Can greencard holders be able to apply for security clearance.If yes, how should one go about it. What level is suitable for a web developer.
Thanks much in advance.
Redd.
Derrick Dortch: The quick answer is no. Most if not all security clearances are given to U.S. citizens. There are some rare occasions but usually those are people who are working with certain organizations and are on exchange from other governments or a person has a very unique level of knowledge needed by the government. If you are interested in being a U.S. citizen then you can definitely apply to an agency or contractor and work on certain projects that require clearance.
Just as a note the CIA is looking for Web Developers.
Take care.
Washington D.C.:
I was denied a top-secret clearance because I was pro-active at my current position - and still have my clearance. If I apply for another position at another place, will I still be denied because I will write that I was denied one?
Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,
Sorry to hear that. If you apply for another position the fact that you were denied for a clearance will be a concern for the adjudicator. The key is to be honest. I am not sure what you were denied for but if you feel that you were denied unfairly or unjustly then you can appeal. Talk to your security officer about the appeal process. I encourage to apply for other jobs just know that they will look at the reasons why you were denied and will probably talk to the adjudicator that denied you to see what happened. Take care and I wish you the best.
Austin, Texas:
I previously held a Dept. of Energy "Q" clearance until 6 years ago. I am now undergoing a security investigation for a job with the State Dept. Unfortunately, I was twice convicted of DUI in the past 8 years (no accidents, no other charges associated with those incidents -- just failed the breathalyzer), served a week in jail (mandatory minimum sentence), and completed a rehab program. I have, of course, been completely candid about this in my current investigation. I have no doubts that all others interviewed will report that they do not think I have a drinking problem, nor have there been any other adverse effects on my life related to alcohol. These are the only two black marks on my record (and they're admittedly huge ones). I am extraordinarily qualified for the job I am seeking.
What are the chances that these misdemeanor convictions will extinguish my chances of receiving clearance and being hired?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Austin,
We all make mistakes. These will be questions that are asked of you about your mistakes. There is a section you might want to read in the Adjudicative Desk Reference that deals with alcohol consumption. Here is the link http://www.dss.mil/training/adr/adjguid/adjguidF.htm .
This reference should be helpful. The key is to be honest. Mistakes happen in life, you will just have to convice the adjudicators that it wont happen again.
Arlington, Va.:
Green card holders and foreign nationals may be granted access to classfied information on certain condtions and after they have adjuidicated for a Limited Access Authorization.
This is limited to individuals with certain unique skills and to fulfill certain needs of DOD. A web developer does not qualify. Being a native of Afghanistan and speaking the langauge fluently mught in certain unique circumstances.
If a job says US citizens only it usually suggests a clearance is involved.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: DOD Adjudicator:
Thanks for more details on the green card.
Ashburn, Virginia:
I am an American-born citizen but my father and 2 of my 3 brothers are Canadian citizens and I have a lot of family in Canada. Given what the DOD adjudicator said about foreign contacts, will that damage my chance to get clearance? And has this changed? (I had a secret clearance in the U.S Military Police for nine years.)
Derrick Dortch: Asburn,
This should not change or damage your chances on getting a security clearance. Canada is definitely a friend of the United States so there is not the same level of scrutiny involved. The key is to report any contact with foreign nationals. Many of us at this present day, especially in our open society come in contact with foreign nationals. Many of us may have family who are foreign nationals. Just make sure you tell the adjudicators about them and answer all questions. You should be fine.
Fairfax, Va.:
I'm wondering what is the best way to use my clearance. I have one and I'm interested in working abroad for the US Government. I have tried going through the web site (USA OPM Jobs) that you mentioned earlier. Do you have any suggestions about getting a job through any US government agency?
(Can you be specific?)
Derrick Dortch: Hello Fairfax:
If you are interested in working abroad there are many agencies who do international work. Here are some:
Department of Defense (DOD)
USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development)
USIA (U.S. Information Agency)
Department of Commerce (International Affairs, etc)
FEMA (International Affairs)
CIA
DIA
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)
FBI
State Department
USDA
CDCP (Center for Diease Control and Prevention)
I could go on and on. Many agencies have an international affairs office or do work internationally. I would suggest you first think about what you want to do and what agencies do it. Target those agencies and find out what component of that agency does international work. A great way to find out this information is the web but also through a book called Leadership Directories - www.leadershipdirectories.com most libraries have them. Look at the Federal one and look under each department. These books usually provide a great list of the different departments within each agency. There you might find the office that deal with international issues.
I hope this helps. If you need more help please contact me on the message boards. Take care.
Arlington, Va.:
Hello Derrick,
Sorry, but this is a little off-topic.
I have been trying to find a federal position, unsuccessfully, where I can use my language skills. I have been told that my best chance would be with one of the intelligence agencies. I have been hesitant to apply there because my wife is a foreign national, and I presume that the work I would be doing would involve her native country. I know that there are many levels of security depending on the position, but I'm worried that would I start working for, say, the CIA, that I would be restricted from travelling there.
Do you (or anyone else out there) know if my fears have any basis?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington,
Your concern has a great deal of validity. Do me a favor so I can get you a solid answer. Send your question to the message boards and I will get you an answer and some suggestions. My response will take longer than we have time for today. I hope to hear from you. Take care.
Arlington, Va.:
How long ago was your last DUI? Were you diagnosed as alcohol dependent? Do you still drink if so how often and how much? How often do you drink to intoxication? Do you show up late to work consistently? Do you call in sick Mondays and Fridays?
Do you own a property in Canada? Siblings or parents work for Canadian govt or military?
Do you hold dual citizenship or possess a current Candian Passport?
Canada not usually a problem.
A DOD adjudicator
Derrick Dortch: More from our friend at DOD. Thanks so much for your valuable service to the community.
Rockville, Md.:
I have recently been dismissed from work and I notice that most employers want you to have Security Clearance. My question is How do I go about getting the Security Clearance? What if I want to become a consultant in my own business?
Thank you very much.
Derrick Dortch: Hello Rockville,
Sorry to hear about the dismissal but I know things will get better soon. The only way you can get a security clearance is work for the government or do government contract work that requires a clearance. If you do start your own business and are able to pick up a contract with the government then you and those working for you will have to go through a security clearance process. Many agencies do provide contracts to consulting companies or small businesses that offer a particular product or service. For instance the Department of Defense has the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) where private industry and universities who are doing classified work enter this program to ensure that sensitive material is kept safe.
Each agency will have its own process. For more contact me on the message boards. Take care.
Arlington, Va.:
I've got a SECRET clearance, and I've been a contractor for the DoD for 2 years. I'd love to be a government employee with the State Department, but I'm finding it to be quite difficult to get a job with them. I've applied several times through OPM, to no avail. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington,
I would suggest you network, network, network. I say this often but I have found it to be true. Start looking for events (career fairs, seminars, etc) where you will get to meet State Department officials. Get some face to face time with a person and get their business card. If you know someone who can guide you or look out for you in the process it can go a long way. Since you are in arlington you have access to many of the event that go on in town. Look at events that take place at Georgetown, GW, American and John Hopkins that will have former or current State Department people speaking. Go to events at think tanks that will have State Department people speaking. Go to career fairs and meet the State Department recruiters. Get cards, follow up with letters, email, thank you cards, etc. Ask for advice on how to get into State. Do all of this. I assure you it will make a difference. Also look for any event that is being held by associations that deal with foreign service.
Take care and I hope this helps.
Derrick Dortch: WOW. We had a lot of great questions today and I am so sorry that I can not get to them all. Thank you for coming to the show and if I did not get to your question and you still need an answer please send it to the message boards and I will try to answer it then.
Well it is a beautiful day so make sure you get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Each day we are living is a beautiful day. Take care and I will see you in May.
Carpe Diem
Derrick T. Dortch
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