The presidential transition process is underway, and that means new individuals entering government service and others leaving. New individuals entering into government service in many cases also need to obtain a security clearance.
The FBI is responsible for both White House and presidential transition security clearances. The criteria used to award security clearances are the same for all individuals regardless of which agency a person is applying to, or where they plan to work in a new presidential administration.
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 set out procedures allowing presidential candidates from major parties to submit candidates for security clearances even prior to the election. The Act even sets an ideal timeline of having access to classified information granted by the day after the election. That means amongst the President-elect Biden transition team, some individuals could have already had their information submitted and the background investigation complete prior to election day.
Individuals starting the process now can expect the usual timelines, although the FBI has the capacity to expedite investigations. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency processes the vast majority of security clearances, and has a much bigger pool of applicants to get through. In contrast, the FBI conducts a much smaller number of security clearance background investigations,, which means it can move new cases in and out more quickly. In general, the more foreign contacts, financial hardships, and other life complications a person has, the longer the background investigation process will be.
The best way for presidential transition members to speed up the process is to carefully complete the SF-86 security clearance application. The more accurate the application, the easier the investigation.
Whether you’re working in Washington temporarily to help with the transition, or looking to land a long-term government gig, a security clearance is a critical part of the federal employment and appointee process.
