Interim Clearances – Vetting Risk Operations (VRO)

The Vetting Risk Operations (VRO) handles all interim clearances. Interim eligibility will be issued only where facts and circumstances indicate access to classified information is clearly consistent with the national security interest of the United States. The interim eligibility is made concurrently with the initiation of the investigation and will generally remain in effect until an investigation is completed, at which time the applicant is considered for a final eligibility.

Eligibility Determinations

In accordance with Executive Order 12968, "Access to Classified Information," August 2, 1995, and Department of Defense (DoD) Regulation 5200.2- R, "Personnel Security Program," January 1987, an official Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) will be completed on the applicant so that a final determination can be made. Upon completion of the required investigation, a final security clearance determination will be made as quickly as possible and the FSO will be notified.

All applicants for a personnel security clearance submitted by a cleared contractor will be routinely considered for an interim eligibility. The Vetting Risk Operations (VRO) reviews the Questionnaire for National Security Position (SF 86) and other files and systems. The interim eligibility will be issued only where facts and circumstances indicate access to classified information is clearly consistent with the national security interest of the United States. The interim eligibility is made concurrently with the initiation of the investigation and will generally remain in effect until an investigation is completed, at which time the applicant is considered for a final eligibility.

The Defense Information System for Security (DISS) maintains DoD personnel security clearance eligibilities. Listed below are eligibilities with their definition for industry and the procedures for the FSO. When eligibility is changed, an Eligibility Change Notification is sent to any Security Management Office (SMO) with an active owning or servicing relationship with the individual's Person Categories.

Prior to indoctrinating access, the FSO should verify eligibility by viewing information contained in the Adjudication Summary. This will ensure the individual's eligibility supports the access. If there is a question on eligibility levels, contact the DoD Security Services Center for advice on appropriate definitions or procedures.

Interim Determinations

As part of the interim determination process, Interim Secrets and Interim Top Secrets can only be granted based on the following criteria:

  • Favorable review of the SF-86
  • Favorable fingerprint check
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • Favorable review of the local records, if applicable

Once the Advanced Products results are returned, the Vetting Risk Operations will then make an interim top determination.

Action Pending

Indicates the investigation has been forwarded for further adjudicative action, i.e. interim suspension or Statement of Reason (SOR).

Eligibility Administratively Withdrawn

When an individual has an Eligibility Administratively Withdrawn, there is no eligibility, i.e. the individual should be debriefed and no access provided until an eligibility that supports access is entered. Eligibility Administratively Withdrawn is usually posted when an individual has no affiliation with an Industry Facility. This determination does not reflect adverse information placed on the subject and/or record.

Eligibility Pending

Indicates the investigation request has been received and reviewed for potentially posting an Interim Determination. When the requirements for an Interim determination have not been met, VRO will post "Eligibility Pending" and defer adjudication until the completion of the requested investigation.

VRO does not respond to verbal inquiries from applicants regarding their interim determinations. If JPAS reflects Eligibility Pending, the applicants may contact Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), ATTN: (AHRC-PSI-DMDC), Privacy Act Team, Department 548, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5504, for information regarding their JPAS record. However, if the Eligibility field is blank, VRO will accept a letter from the applicant (including their full name, Social Security Number and return address) sent directly to the VRO. The Applicant or FSO must provide a copy of the initial SF-86 Archival version to include signature pages with the requesting letter. The letter and Archival SF-86 should be sent to: Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Attn: VROC, 7476 New Ridge Road, Suite G, P.O. Box 644, Hanover, MD 21076. VRO can only respond to the applicant directly regarding privacy act information. Security clearance applicants should address any questions or concerns regarding a security clearance application or processing to their FSO. The FSO should contact the Knowledge Center for assistance if other questions arise

Withdrawal of Interim Clearance Eligibility

There will be occasions where the interim determination will be withdrawn after it has been issued. In accordance with DoD policies, DoD CAF no longer sends industry hard copy notifications of an interim withdrawal; DISS notifies entities with a servicing or owning relationship. In addition, VRO sends notifications via the DISS Send Message functionality to all SMOs where interim access is reflected in JCAVS. The NISPOM cites a notification will be provided and the DISS notification is the mechanism that provides the notification (e.g. ISL 05L -1, item 5, which advises that notifications will be via JPAS.)

Loss of Jurisdiction

When an individual has an eligibility of Loss of Jurisdiction, there is no eligibility, i.e. the individual should be debriefed and no access provided until an eligibility that supports access is entered by a CAF. Loss of Jurisdiction is usually posted when an individual has no affiliation with an Industry Facility.

A CAF, other than DOHA, determines that an individual no longer requires access to SCI. If the individual still requires access to Top Secret the FSO should notify DoD-CAF (Industry) via RRU. In this instance, the FSO should debrief and remove the individual from SCI access. The collateral access should remain in JPAS to ensure that the collateral clearance need is identified. Failure to leave the collateral access in JPAS, may result in discontinuance of processing.

No Determination Made

If an individual has an eligibility of "No Determination Made", there is no eligibility, i.e. the individual should be debriefed and no access provided until an eligibility that supports access is entered by a CAF. This eligibility type is primarily used when an individual fails to satisfy an official government request (non-compliance), for example:

  • VRO or DoD CAF asks for follow-up information and it has not been provided (15 days for most requests, 30 days for SF-86 requests)*
  • Suitability Determinations by DoD CAF

*Note: The previous eligibility will be reinstated once the official request is satisfied, provided there has not been a break in service longer than 24 months

Position of Trust

This indicates the suitability of an individual for employment in a position of trust. Access to classified information is not required.

Denied or Revoked by DOHA

The individual does not hold a valid eligibility for access to classified information, therefore no access should be issued or access already provided should be removed.

Denied or Revoked for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)

Paragraph 7-101e of DoD 5200.2-R, Personnel Security Program, provides for separate due process for SCI and collateral eligibility. There are some cases in which SCI eligibility is denied or revoked, but the individual still has Top Secret access. FSOs are not required to remove the collateral access until they are instructed to do so by DCSA/VRO, DoD CAF or DOHA