What is Security Clearance?

Security clearances are required by many jobs throughout the United States There are hundreds of active military installations throughout the US and we have worked with some of the biggest companies who regularly contract with the government, including Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Both the public and private sectors offer excellent job opportunities, yet many jobs require the employer to obtain and maintain a security clearance in order to work. Perry Draper Law, PLLC has the legal background and experience to help you through the process and obtain or maintain the necessary security clearance for employment or service.

According to the U.S. State Department, security clearance gives you eligibility to access classified information, but is only granted to those who have an appropriate personnel background investigation completed. For companies in the private sector, these background checks are just as thoroughly completed, but may be more focused on specific areas based on the company’s criteria.

The security clearance process begins after an individual receives a conditional offer of employment. At that point, a Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions and any other required forms will need to be completed. The forms will become a security package and once it has been reviewed for completeness, the investigation is begun.

If your conditional employment is government or military related, then it will also likely include an interview with an investigator from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). All the information in your security package will be investigated for accuracy and to verify all the details. The results of the investigation will be weighed against existing adjudicative guidelines for security clearances.