What you need to know about security clearances for aerospace and defense?

A security clearance permits access to classified or protected national information for employees and individuals working with the federal government.

It is a tiered status, with varying levels of clearance allowing access to more protected information.

Professionals with a security clearance are granted access to specific, limited information up to their clearance level. Even with an active security clearance, information is protected on a “need-to-know” basis.

In this article, we’ll unravel the details behind security clearances.

Individuals cannot apply for security clearances. The government office or agency that a contractor works with may decide that certain roles require clearance. Once hired or as decided upon, these professionals will start to begin the process of receiving clearances.

Contrary to popular belief, any professional working in federal or military jobs may receive clearances. From librarians to executive-level roles, some jobs need a level of vetting and a series of background checks to ensure trustworthiness, good character, and loyalty to the United States.

However, those working from private organizations that are contracted with the government or a federal agency may require a security clearance. Nonprofit organizations, think tanks, research organizations, manufacturing companies, and other employees may need to undergo background investigation.

Many companies supply the government with products and services that are vital to national security. These may be expected to diligently and have agency to protect the security of the product/technology at every step of the process.

Higher clearance levels are especially required for the intelligence community, where information is a valued commodity and may be weaponized against national interests.

Security clearances are typically transferable for two years after leaving an individual’s previous organization.

If an employer decides to hire a professional without a security clearance, they’ll have to begin the process of background investigation and other checks.

Security clearances are typically granted through the Department of Defense via the Office of Personnel Management. Individuals are required to complete an Electronic Personnel Security questionnaire that asks for information regarding an applicant’s background and family history.

The background check an individual undergoes will consider any and all available, reliable information about a person. This includes past and present conduct, decision-making, debts, and other favorable or unfavorable information. While these security checks are often conducted fairly, any doubt about a person’s character is resolved in the interest of national security.

What factors are considered?

• Trustworthiness
• Stability
• Honesty
• Judgment and reasoning
• Discretion
• Reliability
• Undeniable loyalty to the U.S.

The security check ensures that a person has the ability to protect information. They must exhibit high standards of integrity, willingness to abide by regulations involving classified information, and that the individual is undeniably consistent with the national security interests of the United States.

Organized into tiers or hierarchies, each level indicates the maximum level of classified information an individual may access.

Confidential: provides access to information that may cause damage to national security if disclosed. It is reinvestigated for continued eligibility every 15 years. Confidential clearances require a National Agency Check, Local Agency Check, and Credit Check (NACLC).

Secret: provides access to information that can cause serious damage if disclosed without authorization. This clearance level is investigated for re-eligibility every 10 years. Secret clearances require a National Agency Check, Local Agency Check, and Credit Check (NACLC).

Top Secret: provides access to information that can cause grave damage and national risk if improperly disclosed. Most often, it is related to information related to counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and other extremely sensitive information. It is the most restrictive type of clearance and is examined for re-eligibility every 5 years. Additionally, it is only typically granted after a Single Scope Background Investigation.

Even when a member of your organization gains clearance, government agencies specify the breadth, scope, and depth of information a specific role needs. There are two additional types of classified information that may require additional clearance:

• Sensitive compartmented information involves intelligence-related sources and methods. Only granted after a rigorous SSBI and adjudication process. Each type of sensitive compartmented information may also have its own specific requirements and clearances.
• Special access programs involve highly sensitive projects, such as new military technology. This is usually established by the Department of Defense and is only granted to very few individuals.

Typically, the DoD determines whether a role or position in an organization requires a security clearance and the level required for each based on the responsibilities and duties of the mentioned role.

Cad Crowd.AI works closely with you and the desired candidate to help expedite the often strenuous process of applying for clearance.

We ensure that candidates can submit complete and accurate forms and information, including proactively encouraging them to provide additional references to speed up the verification of their background and activities.

Partner with us, and we’ll help you find a professional for your mission-critical project today.