ODNI (Office of the Director of National Intelligence)
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) leads and coordinates the United States Intelligence Community. For security clearance purposes, ODNI sets policy for SCI access and issues the adjudicative guidelines used across the federal government.
Quick Facts
| Role | Leads Intelligence Community coordination |
| Established | 2004 (post-9/11 reform) |
| Security role | Sets SCI policy, adjudicative guidelines |
| Head | Director of National Intelligence (DNI) |
ODNI's Role in Security Clearances
ODNI has significant authority over security policy[1]:
Policy setting:
- Issues Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs)
- Establishes SCI access standards
- Coordinates security across IC agencies
Adjudicative Guidelines:
- SEAD 4 - National Security Adjudicative Guidelines[2]
- Used by all agencies for clearance decisions
- Defines the 13 adjudicative criteria
Reporting Requirements:
- SEAD 3 - Reporting requirements for cleared personnel[3]
- Standards for self-reporting
- Continuous evaluation framework
Key ODNI Security Policies
| Policy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ICD 704 | SCI eligibility standards |
| ICD 705 | SCIF accreditation |
| SEAD 4 | Adjudicative guidelines |
| SEAD 3 | Reporting requirements |
These policies apply across all intelligence community agencies and often inform broader federal policy.
ODNI and SCI Access
ODNI oversees Sensitive Compartmented Information access[1]:
- Sets standards for SCI eligibility
- Establishes compartment security requirements
- Coordinates access across agencies
- Oversees SCI facility standards
Individual agencies still manage their own SCI programs, but within ODNI framework.
Intelligence Community Coordination
ODNI coordinates 18 intelligence organizations:
- Ensures information sharing
- Standardizes security practices
- Resolves reciprocity issues
- Sets community-wide policy
This coordination affects how clearances transfer between IC agencies.
National Counterintelligence and Security Center
NCSC operates under ODNI:
- Leads counterintelligence for IC
- Publishes security guidance
- Issues threat advisories
- Coordinates security awareness
Impact on Cleared Workforce
ODNI policies affect anyone seeking SCI access:
- Adjudicative standards used for your clearance
- Reporting requirements you must follow
- SCI access procedures
- Polygraph policies for IC positions
Related
References
- ^ ICD 704: Personnel Security Standards and Procedures Governing Eligibility for Access to SCI. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ SEAD 4: National Security Adjudicative Guidelines. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. 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.