The DCSA Freedom of Information/Privacy (FOI/P) Office for Adjudications primary duties include:
- Responding to requests for personnel vetting and/or clearance eligibility records.
- 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 following form: DCSA 335 Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Records Request for Adjudication Records.
You may also submit a written request to the FOI and Privacy Office for Adjudications and Vetting Service at:
dcsa.meade.dcsa.mbx.privacy-act@mail.mil
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 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.
General Adjudication and/or Security Clearance Inquiries
The FOI and Privacy Office for Adjudications and Vetting 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.
Statement of Reasons - Request for Records
Individuals seeking the records relied upon by the DCSA Adjudication and Vetting Service in drafting the Statement of Reason (SOR) issued to them, should use the request for records form included in the SOR package. Individuals should submit their request to the address annotated on the request form included in the SOR package. Submitting the request by any method other than what is indicated on the form may significantly delay the processing of the request.
Security managers should not upload the request for records form to the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) but should instruct the individual to submit the request for records form directly to the Privacy Office listed on the forms.
Interagency Requests
The FOIA and Privacy Office for Adjudications is responsible for assisting command/agency security offices in obtaining DCSA AVS 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
Note: The Privacy Act appeal process is not the avenue to submit appeals related to your security clearance eligibility. Please contact your command/agency security management office or facility security office for assistance in addressing appeals related to your security clearance eligibility.
Requesters have the right to appeal the DCSA FOI/P component office’s 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. Clearly mark the outside of the envelope and your appeal letter: “Privacy/FOIA Appeal".
Appeals may be submitted in writing to:
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
ATTN: FOIA Appellate Authority
1137 Branchton Road
P.O. Box 618
Boyers, PA 16018
Email: dcsa.quantico.dcsa-hq.mbx.foia@mail.mil
Note: 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. A decision that upholds a component office's determination, in whole or in part, will contain a statement that identifies the reasons for the affirmation, including any exemptions applied. The decision will also inform the appellant of their statutory right 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 a decision is remanded or modified on appeal, in whole or in part, the appellant will be notified of that determination in writing. The DCSA FOI/P component office will thereafter further process the request in accordance with that appeal determination and respond directly to the appellant.