Receiving a Statement of Reasons (SOR) is often the first warning that your security clearance—and your career—are at risk. For many federal employees, service members, and contractors, the SOR marks a turning point. It typically means your security clearance has been suspended and that you may soon be ineligible to work in your current position unless you successfully challenge the decision.

Without a clearance, you can’t legally access classified facilities or systems. In fact, many military services and federal agencies have internal policies that also restrict access to unclassified computer systems once a clearance is suspended—effectively removing your ability to do your job.

What Exactly Is a Statement of Reasons?

A Statement of Reasons (SOR) is a formal notification issued when the government proposes to deny or revoke your eligibility for access to classified information or assignment to a national security-sensitive position.

The SOR is issued by the Consolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF) after reviewing all available information and comparing it against the 13 adjudicative guidelines established in:

Based on that review, the CAF makes a preliminary determination to deny or revoke your security clearance. Under SEAD 4, you have a right to receive a written SOR that outlines the government’s concerns in sufficient detail to allow a meaningful response. The notice must be as “comprehensive and detailed as national security permits.”

What to Do When You Receive an SOR

You have a critical opportunity to challenge the government’s preliminary decision—but you must act quickly and strategically.

Step 1: Understand the Allegations

The SOR will cite one or more of the 13 Adjudicative Guidelines, such as:

  • Guideline B: Foreign Influence

  • Guideline E: Personal Conduct

  • Guideline F: Financial Considerations

  • Guideline H: Drug Involvement

  • …and others

Each guideline includes both disqualifying conditions and mitigating conditions, which must be addressed in your response.

Step 2: Prepare a Comprehensive Written Response

You have the right to submit a written rebuttal that presents your side of the story, explains the circumstances, and—most importantly—demonstrates why the concerns should be mitigated under the National Security Adjudicative Guidelines.

Your response should:

  • Directly address each allegation

  • Cite relevant mitigating conditions under the guidelines

  • Include documentation (e.g., treatment records, character letters, polygraph results, etc.)

  • Emphasize the “whole person concept”—your honesty, reliability, and continued loyalty to the United States

Step 3: Know Your Deadline

You must submit your written response within 30 calendar days of acknowledging receipt of the SOR. If you need more time, you may request a 30-day extension, which must be submitted formally through your employing organization.

You also have the right to be represented by legal counsel, which can make all the difference in how your case is presented and ultimately decided.

Why Your SOR Response Matters—Now and Later

It’s important to understand that your SOR response becomes part of your permanent security file. Even if you succeed in keeping your clearance, a poorly written or incomplete response could raise future concerns during reinvestigations or upgrades.

At National Security Law Firm, we know how to build an effective response that puts your situation in the best possible light—mitigating past concerns while reinforcing your reliability and trustworthiness going forward.

Get Help from Experienced Security Clearance Attorneys

If you’ve received a Statement of Reasons, your next move could determine the course of your career. Don’t navigate this alone. Let the experienced attorneys at National Security Law Firm guide you through every step—from SOR strategy to full representation at hearings if necessary.

👉 Book your free consultation today and let us help you fight for your clearance—and your future.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about security clearance issues and how we help? Visit our Security Clearance Practice Area page to find guides and resources covering:

  • How to avoid SF-86 mistakes

  • Strategies for responding to LOIs and SORs

  • What triggers investigations—and how to get ahead of them

  • Defense tactics for foreign contacts, financial issues, drug use, and more