Adjudication

Adjudication is the process of reviewing a completed background investigation and making a determination about an individual's eligibility for a security clearance. Adjudicators weigh the facts against established guidelines to decide whether granting access would pose an unacceptable risk to national security.

Quick Facts

The Adjudication Process

After your investigation is complete^[1]:

1. Case assignment - Investigation file goes to adjudicator
2. Review - Adjudicator examines all collected information
3. Analysis - Facts compared against adjudicative guidelines
4. Whole-person evaluation - Considering all factors together
5. Decision - Eligibility granted, denied, or more info needed

Adjudicative Guidelines

Adjudicators apply the national security adjudicative guidelines (SEAD 4), which cover 13 areas^[2]:

1. Allegiance to the United States
2. Foreign influence
3. Foreign preference
4. Sexual behavior
5. Personal conduct
6. Financial considerations
7. Alcohol consumption
8. Drug involvement and substance misuse
9. Psychological conditions
10. Criminal conduct
11. Handling protected information
12. Outside activities
13. Use of information technology

Each guideline lists conditions that raise concerns and conditions that may mitigate those concerns.

The Whole-Person Concept

Adjudication is not a checklist - adjudicators consider^[4]:

• The nature and seriousness of the conduct
• The circumstances surrounding the conduct
• How recent the conduct was
• Age and maturity at the time
• Voluntariness of participation
• Rehabilitation and behavioral changes
• Motivation for the conduct
• Likelihood of continuation or recurrence

A single issue may not be disqualifying if other factors are favorable^[3].

Possible Outcomes

Favorable determination

• Clearance eligibility granted
• You can be read in to classified programs

Statement of Reasons (SOR)

• Adjudicator has concerns
• You receive written notice of issues
• Opportunity to respond before final decision

Denial

• Clearance eligibility not granted
• Appeal rights typically available

Revocation

• For current clearance holders
• Based on new information or changed circumstances

Responding to Concerns

If adjudicators have questions, you may^[1]:

• Be asked to provide additional documentation
• Receive a Statement of Reasons requiring response
• Have opportunity to explain or provide context
• Submit evidence of rehabilitation or mitigation

Timely, thorough responses improve outcomes.

Who Adjudicates

DoD Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF)

• Handles most DoD and contractor clearances
• Centralized processing

Agency-specific offices

• Intelligence community agencies often have their own adjudicators
• May apply additional agency-specific criteria

Related

• Background Investigation
• Mitigating Factors
• Suitability vs. Clearance
• PSAB (Personnel Security Appeals Board)
• Suspension / Revocation

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