Continuous Evaluation (CE)
Continuous Evaluation (CE) is an ongoing vetting process that monitors cleared personnel between periodic reinvestigations. CE uses automated record checks to identify potential security concerns in near real-time rather than waiting for scheduled reinvestigations.
Quick Facts
| Purpose | Ongoing monitoring of cleared personnel |
| Method | Automated checks of government and commercial databases |
| Frequency | Continuous / near real-time |
| Replaces | Supplements (not replaces) periodic reinvestigation |
| Scope | All clearance holders being enrolled |
How CE Works
Continuous Evaluation automatically checks multiple data sources[1]:
Government databases:
- Criminal records
- Terrorism watchlists
- Foreign travel (CBP records)
- Financial delinquencies (federal debts)
Commercial databases:
- Credit reports
- Court records
- Public records
When a check returns potentially concerning information, it generates an alert for security personnel to review.
CE vs. Periodic Reinvestigation
| Aspect | Continuous Evaluation | Periodic Reinvestigation |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Ongoing | Every 5-10 years |
| Method | Automated queries | Full investigation |
| Scope | Database checks | Interviews + records |
| Depth | Flags issues | Comprehensive review |
| Purpose | Early warning | Complete reassessment |
CE does not replace reinvestigations but provides monitoring between them[4].
What Triggers Alerts
CE may flag[2]:
- New arrests or criminal charges
- Significant financial changes
- Foreign travel to certain countries
- Court filings (civil or criminal)
- Credit report changes
- Terrorism or counterintelligence concerns
An alert does not automatically affect your clearance - security personnel review the information and determine if action is needed.
Continuous Vetting (CV)
The program is transitioning from Continuous Evaluation to Continuous Vetting (CV), which expands coverage[1]:
- More data sources
- Broader population enrollment
- Enhanced analytics
- Improved alert management
The terms CE and CV are sometimes used interchangeably during this transition.
Your Responsibilities
Under continuous monitoring, clearance holders should[3]:
- Self-report issues before they're discovered
- Understand that monitoring is ongoing
- Report foreign travel, contacts, and other reportable events
- Address financial issues proactively
Voluntary disclosure of issues generally reflects better on your judgment than having problems discovered through CE.
Reporting Requirements
CE doesn't change your existing reporting obligations[3]:
You must still report:
- Foreign contacts and travel
- Arrests or legal issues
- Financial problems
- Security incidents
- Changes in personal status
Report to your security officer - don't wait for CE to flag issues.
Privacy Considerations
CE uses information from:
- Records you've consented to access (via SF-86)
- Publicly available information
- Government records
The monitoring is authorized through agreements signed during the clearance process.
Related
References
- ^ DCSA Continuous Vetting. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ DCSA Personnel Vetting. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ SEAD 3: Reporting Requirements for Personnel with Access to Classified Information. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ DoDI 5200.02: DoD Personnel Security Program. Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.