The DCSA Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOI/P) Office for Adjudications primary duties include:
- Responding to requests for security clearance records maintained in the DISS, iIRR, DCII, and SWFT IT systems.
- Review and respond to requests for amendment of security clearance records.
- Release of adjudication records to other federal agencies in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act.
- Responding to requests for records pertaining to individuals involved in administrative proceedings or hearings.
Should you wish to obtain a copy of your security clearance records, you may submit a request for records using the DCSA 335 Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Records Request for Adjudication Records form, or submit a written request to the FOIA and Privacy Office for Adjudications at:
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Attn: FOIA/Privacy Office for Adjudications
600 10th Street
Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-5615
E-mail Advisement: You may submit your request as a scanned attachment to an email. Prior to sending, please ensure the security of your e-mail system is adequate for transmitting sensitive, personally identifiable information (e.g., full name, social security number, date of birth, etc.).
The DCSA 335 Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Records Request for Adjudication Records form is specific to DCSA. Although use of this form is not mandatory, we encourage you to utilize it when making a request. Providing all the information requested on the form will help complete your request in a timely manner and ensure that it is not returned for additional information. If you choose to submit a written request, it must include the following information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Full social security number
- Description of the record(s) you are seeking
- Mailing address and/or email address (if you’d like our response delivered electronically)
- An original, notarized statement or an unsworn declaration in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 1746, in the following format: I declare (or certify, verify, or state) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing [concerning my identity] is true and correct. Executed on (date). (Handwritten Signature).
- If you have legal representation, the request must include: (1) a notice of representation or power of attorney, which clearly states permission for representation and the authority for DCSA to release records to the representative, and (2) photocopies of your two identity source documents.
General Adjudication and/or Security Clearance Inquiries
The FOI and Privacy Office for Adjudications is unable to answer questions regarding an ongoing or pending adjudication action. We recommend individuals contact their Security Manager or Facility Security Officer for further assistance.
Interagency Requests
The FOIA and Privacy Office for Adjudications is responsible for assisting command/agency security offices in obtaining DoD CAS records in accordance with the Privacy Act Conditions of Disclosure, which include Routine Use permissions for adjudication records. Agencies may contact our office for assistance via e-mail at dcsa.meade.dcsa.mbx.privacy-act@mail.mil.
Appealing FOIA/Privacy Exemptions and Withholdings
Requesters have the right to appeal DCSA’s access decision. An appeal must be received by DCSA within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of the final response letter. The appeal should include: (1) the reason(s) the requested information should be released, (2) an explanation why the agency response may have been in error, (3) a copy of the original request, (4) a copy of the final response letter, and (5) a reference to the tracking number provided in the final response letter.
Appeals may be submitted in writing to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, ATTN: Office of General Counsel, 27130 Telegraph Road, Quantico, VA 22134. Clearly mark the outside of the envelope and your written appeal letter: “Privacy/FOIA Appeal”.
Appeals may also be submitted via e-mail to dcsa.quantico.dcsa-hq.mbx.foia@mail.mil. Prior to sending, please ensure the security of your e-mail system is adequate for transmitting sensitive, personally identifiable information (full name, social security number, date of birth, etc.).
The appellant will be notified of the decision on their appeal in writing. If the decision affirms the adverse determination in whole or in part, the notification will include a brief statement of the reason(s) for the affirmation, including any exemptions applied, and will inform the appellant of the Privacy Act provisions for judicial review of the appellate authority's decision. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. §552a(g)(1) and 32 CFR 310.6(b) appellants may seek judicial review for any negative determinations in the District Court of the United States in the district: (1) in which they reside; (2) in which they maintain their principal place of business; (3) where the disputed agency records are maintained; or (4) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
If the adverse determination is reversed or modified, in whole or in part, the appellant will be notified in writing of this decision and the request will be reprocessed in accordance with that appeal decision.