Keeping track of cleared personnel can be a full time job. And it is in many companies it is, with Facility Security Officers (FSOs) supporting defense contractors to ensure the right personnel – with the right security clearances – are at work fulfilling contract requirements. We’ve talked about the Catch-22 before, where individuals have to have the right clearance eligibility in order to obtain specific cleared positions. The reason is because that’s what the government requires. But clearance eligibility doesn’t last forever – and it’s up to security officers within companies to keep track of their cleared personnel’s eligibility.
Recent news reports revealed that more than 250 contractors supporting the Air Force One contract had lapsed Yankee White eligibility. Yankee White refers to special access authority related to White House and presidential cleared programs. The contractor noted that it worked quickly to reinstate the clearances for personnel, at least one of whom had a clearance eligibility designation that was 7-years-old, according to a Wall Street Journal Report.
How Does This Happen?
The contractor was relying on a presidential support program personnel tracking system that failed to flag the lapsed clearance eligibility. For a major defense contractor, it’s a definite possibility to lose track of personnel without careful procedures to ensure tracking systems aren’t just there – but used. But it’s also a reminder that security clearance holders can help their careers by checking on their clearance status. If it’s been more than five years since you’ve submitted an SF-86, there’s a chance you’re due.
Security Clearances and Special Access
A favorable thought would be that the contractors in question had up-to-date eligibility within the Department of Defense or another system of record. But assuming is never a good idea. And trusting a government record to update you on your clearance eligibility is not enough.
