Security Clearance Agency
In order to protect national security, sensitive information is categorized as confidential, secret, or top secret and only those with security clearance can have access to this information. The security clearance agency that individuals must go through in order to access sensitive information is the Department of Defense (DoD). The Department of Defense is a federal security clearance agency that is tasked with reviewing applications for security clearance and making determinations as to whether or not applicants should be granted security clearance.
As the federal security clearance agency, the DoD reviews both the professional and personal history of each security clearance applicant. The DoD also interviews and investigates each individual applicant. If any unfavorable information is discovered or disclosed that would make the individual an unacceptable security risk, the DoD can deny the request for security clearance. If the request is denied, the DoD will supply the applicant with a Statement of Reasons (SOR). The SOR will identify allegations against the individual that were the cause of the security clearance denial. The individual will have the opportunity to appeal the denial.
A skilled attorney can help the individual complete the security clearance agency questionnaire. An experienced attorney can also assist the individual in preparing his or her response to the allegations listed in the SOR when security clearance is denied. Individuals with security clearance needs can contact an attorney for expert legal counsel any time during the security clearance process.