Getting “Cleared” for Launch GovCon Webinar Kathleen Smith

What is a Security Clearance ?

A Security Clearance is..

A security clearance is a status granted by Federal agencies that determines a person’s ability to access and view documents of national security. The security clearance is granted to a specific “level” and the individual has to “need to know” the information to do their work Each level of a security clearance requires a different level of background checks and testing.

Background Checks

An investigation into an individual’s loyalty, character, trustworthiness and reliability to ensure that they are eligible for access to national security information. The focus is on an individual’s character and conduct, emphasizing such factors as honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, criminal activity, emotional stability. All investigations consist of checks of national records and credit checks as well as interviews with the individual, family and friends – past and present.

Your commitment and limitations Not only will you have a background check while getting your clearance….. All your activities while you have the clearance will be monitored…… •Your friends •Your vacations •Adopting children internationally •Your finances You will be reviewed and your clearance adjudicated every 3-7 years.

Different Levels of Clearances

Different agencies – DoD, DoE, DoJ Homeland Security as well as the Intelligence Agencies. Levels include: Public Trust •Confidential •Secret •Top Secret After Top Secret, there is further differentiation depending on the Scope of Work and the types of background investigation. Some clearances will last past your termination date others expire as you walk out the door.

Do only Secret Agents get Security Clearances?

What kinds of jobs require a Security Clearance?

Not just “intelligence” professionals, but gardeners, construction workers, finance, administration, computer programming… Pretty much any job to be done in a “little city” will require a security clearance. Not just the jobs in Washington DC – all over the United States, but a high portion of them are in this area.

Executive Chef

What is the additional value of a clearance?

It does require considerable investment of resources on the part of the company or agency to have someone cleared. The work is part of a government contract which has “caps” - these will limit how much someone is paid for the work. Some types of work because they are in high demand will pay more such as computer programming, cyber security or linguists.

How does someone get cleared?

To be cleared, you have to be sponsored by an agency or company doing cleared work. Active Military or Reserve in a role that requires a clearance. You cannot get a clearance on your own.

How Do I Become Cleared?

So what do I have to do? First realize the commitment on your part and that of your family. Make sure there is nothing in your background that you do not want to have exposed Review all of your financial and criminal records. Find a company that does cleared work and work with them for awhile. Share with your supervisors that you want to do cleared work. Realize you will have to be patient.

All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required. To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing. Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

Questions?