Security Review Proceedings (SRP) Overview
(Updated March 17, 2025)
Civilian personnel, military members, and contractors (requiring SCI eligibility) are afforded the opportunity to appear in a virtual personal appearance (PA) with the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency Adjudications and Vetting Services (DCSA AVS). As part of the USD (I&S) due process reform initiative, the new Security Review Proceeding (SRP), affords individuals a chance to provide additional mitigating information and documentation directly correlating to the security concern(s) listed in the Statement of Reasons (SOR), prior to issuance of a final determination.
Note: The process is different for military and civilian personnel and contractors. Executive Order 12968, "Access to Classified Information," describes the process for military and civilian personnel. Executive Order 10865, "Safeguarding Classified Information Within Industry," describes the process for contractors. In each case, speaking with your agency or company security office is the best way to find out how to appeal a decision.
New Security Review Proceedings (SRP) Process: Personal Appearances with AVS
When DCSA AVS issues the SOR to an individual, they have three options:
- Provide a written response and elect a Personal Appearance with DCSA AVS. If the individual’s written response does not mitigate the concerns in the SOR, they will move forward with attending a Personal Appearance with a senior adjudicator from DCSA AVS. The purpose of this Personal Appearance is to discuss any mitigating information and documentation provided by the individual.
- Provide a written response and not elect a Personal Appearance with DCSA AVS, meaning that DCSA AVS will adjudicate only the written response.
- Do not respond, resulting in a denial or revocation of eligibility.
If DCSA AVS determines that unmitigated derogatory issues remain either after the Personal Appearance with DCSA AVS (option 1) or after reviewing the individual’s written response (option 2), or if the individual chooses not to respond (option 3), DCSA AVS will proceed with denying or revoking the individual’s eligibility. The individual can then appeal this denial or revocation in writing to their component PSAB or elect to have a personal appearance hearing before a Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) Administrative Judge (AJ). If the individual elects the personal appearance hearing before a DOHA AJ, the AJ will make a recommendation about the individual’s denial or revocation. The DOHA AJ’s recommendation is subsequently forwarded to the PSAB for consideration. The PSAB makes the final determination of the individual’s appeal.
Upcoming Events
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Security Review Proceedings (SRP) Points of Contact
For inquiries about the overall SRP processes at AVS, please contact the AVS Help Desk at (667) 424-3850 or DSN 323-424-3850.