Security clearance process

We interview neighbors, friends, supervisors, and co-workers to evaluate your character, trustworthiness and loyalty to the United States. We also look into any conflicts of interest or potential for coercion, as well as your ability to protect sensitive information.

Polygraph interviews are mandatory, with no exceptions. Our polygraph examiners are highly trained security professionals, and we keep all answers confidential.

You will need to complete a medical exam to assess your physical and mental health to make sure you can perform essential job duties. We take your health information very seriously and follow strict privacy standards as set in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Considerations in our selection process that could impact eligibility for access to classified information:

Lack of candor, or dishonesty, which includes omitting, underreporting, or inconsistently reporting information at any time during the hiring process is contrary to what we value. Candor is something we carefully consider during our review process for clearance determination and is the top reason we withdraw an offer of employment.

Although some states have legalized marijuana use, to include for medicinal purposes, it remains illegal under federal law and state laws do not supersede those of the federal government. It is critical that a candidate has not used marijuana or products containing THC on or after the date of signing the SF-86, a questionnaire used to collect information from individuals seeking security clearance. This includes prescription medical marijuana. In addition, a candidate cannot have used any other illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within one year prior to applying, or anytime thereafter. When considering the submission of your application, please take note of the stipulations regarding drug use.

Our concern with alcohol use is with its abuse, to include recent and recurring excessive use or alcohol-related incidents.

Our concern is with the nature of the criminal or dishonest conduct, which may or may not have resulted in a conviction. Once a candidate has entered our hiring process, there must be no continued involvement in illegal activities.

Candidates are expected to respond promptly to inquiries and keep their appointments to the best of their abilities. Please commence (or continue) with the application process when the timing is right, be it from the standpoint of past conduct that requires further time to mitigate, or on account of personal or professional responsibilities that could interfere with the hiring process.

Candidates must be of unquestionable allegiance to the United States.

Working for our organization requires trust and high standards of integrity and conduct, especially in the face of adversity.