Security Clearance Denials and Revocations Attorney Serving Huntsville, Alabama Employees & Contractors

No matter what level of security clearance you seek to obtain, it is a sign of trust from the United States government. Military members, government contractors, and other federal employees are usually required to seek and hold clearance in effort of maintaining the sensitive job with the U.S. government.

Over the last few years, the U.S. government has increased the amount and type of job positions that demand a security clearance. For those seeking employment or maintaining employment with the federal government, acquiring security clearance may be very difficult but a necessary undertaking.

Professional National Security Clearance Law Firm in the City of Huntsville, AL

The national security clearance application and renewal process should be taken seriously. Transparency throughout the entire process is key to a successfully approved application. When clearance is not obtained, this will often lead to the loss of employment. When seeking national security clearance or seeking a renewal, it is critical to seek the legal support and advice of a highly skilled law firm that has experience in the process.

Attorney Brett O’Brien has experience in representing applicants who are seeking national security clearance in Huntsville, Alabama. Whether it is a new application, a renewal, or a denied application, national security clearance Attorney Brett O’Brien has the legal skills necessary to pursue an accepted application.

National Security Clearance Application Process

The initial application process along with the renewal process will include a lengthy and rigorous background investigation, which will include an investigation into the applicant’s personal and financial background. Any traffic offenses, including outstanding debts can flag the application and make the process much longer. Further, even if an applicant has been granted national security clearance, this does not barr him or her from reexamination. Ultimately, national security clearances can be revoked at any time, thus affecting one’s ability to maintain employment.

A Brief Overview of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions Standard Form 86 (SF-86)

Standard Form 86 is the application used to request an investigation when seeking to hold a position deemed as being national security sensitive. It is a document that will be used for future reexaminations, ability to hold a sensitive position, and eligibility determinations for access to any national classified information.

Before commencing the form, the following information should be in order:

1. Proof of citizenship or legal status
2. Employment history, including supervisor names and contact information
3. History of personal residences
4. At least three personal references
5. A list of educational institutions attended, including the dates of attendance and address
6. Citizen information of relatives, including their foreign activities, employers, and aliases
7. When applicable, Selective Service Identification Number

The process to complete the Questionnaire for National Security Positions is usually completed online through e-QIP. Supplementary instructions are provided on the website’s homepage.

Top Reasons for National Security Clearance Denial

When applying for a position that requires national security clearance, the process for final clearance determination can take upwards of two years. Fortunately, interim clearances will allow applicants the opportunity to work within 30 days of submitting the necessary documents. In spite of this, requests for national security clearance continue to be denied.

According to the Department of Defense, the following are common reasons why an application can be delayed and/or denied.

1. The signature page is not received, has errors, or is under a different applicant’s name.
2. There is an issue with a cohabitant’s social security number.
3. There is an issue with the spouse’s social security number.
4. There are issues within employment verification.
5. Issues with Homeland Security Policy Directive for identification cards.
6. The financial information provided is incomplete or is unsatisfactory.

Over 35 percent of received applications are rejected based on missing or mistaken cohabitant or spouse social security number. Other equivocal reasons include the following:

1. Incomplete employment information – A thorough list of employment history should be submitted with every application. This also includes information about the current employer. Applicants should be able to provide information with regard to consulting or contract work, paid or unpaid services, military service locations, self-employment, and periods of unemployment.
2. Insufficient relatives information – Applicants will need to provide the personal information of the relatives required by the form. In many cases, applicant’s fail to provide information when the person is deceased. In other cases, the applicant fails to provide information for the complete list.
3. Missing Selective Service registration – Applicants can verify their registration through the Selective Service System
4. Insufficient information regarding outstanding debts or bankruptcy – All financial obligations that are delinquent or pertaining to a bankruptcy should be disclosed in the application.
5. Insufficient education information – It is important for applicants to provide information for all institutions attended regardless of how long ago the institution was attended.
6. Lack of references – Every applicant will need to provide at least three references in their application, which includes their full name, phone number, and address.
7. Insufficient information regarding the use of controlled substances – Applicants should provide an explanation for the use of controlled substances, whether legal or illegal.

Hire the Legal Guidance of a Practiced Security Clearance Attorney in Huntsville, AL

The Questionnaire for National Security Positions is a lengthy form that needs to be fully completed in order to avoid application delays or denials. Being meticulous throughout the application is essential for an expedited process. Nevertheless, an application can be rejected as a result of innumerable reasons, some of which may be out of the control of the applicant. If you are preparing to submit an application, are renewing your application, or have received notice of an application denial or revocation, it is critical to seek the legal advice of a law firm who has the skills and experience you need to obtain clearance.

BrettO’Brien Law is specialized in national security clearance applications. With over a decade in employee security clearance petitions, the firm is well prepared to represent clients filing applications, renewing applications, or appealing denials and revocations. If you are preparing to file an SF-86, consider contacting Attorney Brett O’Brien at the National Security Law Firm today for more information.