Who conducts security clearance background investigations?
Security Clearance Background Investigations for the Department of Defense (DOD) are conducted by the Defense Security Service (DSS). This includes background investigations for military personnel, civilian personnel who work for DOD, and military contractors. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducts Security Clearance Investigations for most other branches of the Federal Government. Who decides whether a security clearance or access to a sensitive position is granted? An adjudicator, who is employed by one of the DOD Central Adjudication Facilities (CAFs), reviews the results of a PSI and compares it to established qualifying criteria for granting access to classified information or for an appointment to a sensitive position or position of trust. What is an interim security clearance? An interim security clearance is one that is issued quickly to an individual for use at a specific job. Unlike regular clearances, interim clearances expire immediately after the individuals lea
The Department of Defense has entered into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct the majority of the personnel security investigations (PSIs) performed in connection with granting access to classified information. OPM uses government and contract investigators to conduct these security clearance investigations.
