Clearance process · Detailed map

Investigation and decision

Follow the authorized investigation, clarification loops, Government adjudication and verification of the recorded eligibility outcome.

Process chart · investigation and adjudication

Develop the record, then make the authorized decision

The investigative service provider develops the record; the authorized Government decision-maker determines eligibility. Follow each return loop until coverage and decision requirements are met.

These two phases are where the wait is. See what DCSA reports for current processing times (figures as of FY2026 Q4 · briefed October 6, 2026), including which phase is now the longest.

CONTINUE FROM REQUEST ACCEPTANCE · STEPS 6–7

The ISP investigates and resolves coverage gaps

Government employee

DCSA or the agency-authorized ISP conducts checks and inquiries required by the position, case type and tier. Applicant and agency respond to requests for clarification or additional coverage.

Industry employee

DCSA or another authorized ISP investigates NISP eligibility. Applicant responds to the investigator; FSO tracks status and does not conduct the background investigation.

Return loop: Unresolved lead or missing coverage → ISP requests more information/investigation → applicant or sponsor responds → ISP resumes. This is not itself a denial.

References: OPM vetting steps · ODNI Federal Personnel Vetting Guidelines, §IV

The authorized Government authority makes and records the determination

Government employee

Authorized authority makes each required suitability, fitness, credentialing, sensitive-position or national-security decision under that domain’s rules.

Industry employee

Government adjudicative authority decides national-security eligibility. Employer, FSO, prime and contracting officer do not grant or revoke the individual’s eligibility.

Possible outcomes: favorable; authorized condition/exception; more information; or proposed/unfavorable action with the applicable notice and review path.

References: OPM vetting steps · ODNI Federal Personnel Vetting Guidelines, §V

DECISION 3 · IS THE REQUIRED ELIGIBILITY ACTIVE AND VERIFIED?

NO / PENDING / RESTRICTEDNo classified access. Follow the information request, notice, review or condition process that applies. Any interim access requires its own affirmative authorization.

YESContinue to the separate decision about this specific information, mission or contract task.

References: 32 CFR §117.10 · Executive Order 12968, §1.2(c)

Eligibility active and verified?When yes, continue to the access and lifecycle map.Continue to access →

When adjudicators need more information

DCSA Trust Decision (Adjudications) may need additional information before it can make a determination. Depending on affiliation, supplemental information requests (SIRs), interrogatories, or medical-evaluation requests go to the SMO/FSO; reopens and reimbursable suitability/security investigations (RSIs) go to background investigations for investigator follow-up.

Respond through the assigned process

Pass requests to the subject promptly, follow the request’s instructions and deadline, and supply the requested documentation through the authorized system of record. Examples include evidence of account resolution or payment arrangements, tax filing/payment records, and police/court records or completion documents.

Medical and financial records are case-specific and sensitive. Provide them through authorized channels when required/requested; this website does not collect them.

Understand delays

Incomplete investigative coverage, unanswered requests, pending court cases or investigations, and additional mitigation or evaluation can extend processing. A request for information is not itself a denial. The FSO does not adjudicate eligibility.

Find the appropriate support route

October operational update reviewed October 9, 2026. DCSA Industry Stakeholder Engagement, October 6, 2026, slides 17–21. Source details and scope.