My OR is having problems submitting my SF86 because of my previous clearence.

[ThatBaldwinGuy]

I do apologize if this answer is posted in here already. I have been searching for similar cases, alas to no avail.

I was Pro'rec for the October 2010 boards, completed MEPS physical in December. I am also prior enlisted with a previous TS/SCI clearance.

The issue:

My OR is having problems submitting my clearance paperwork for my Final Select documents due to the fact that I've already held a previous clearance. More specifically, the "powers that be" kicked back my SF86; saying that it had to be submitted as a "Reinvestigation". Okay, so, the issue I'm having is that no one in that recruiting office knows how to submit my paperwork with the aforementioned stipulation. I assume JPAS doesn't have a section to check off "Reinvestigation" or something. I have no idea what's going on and my OR and processor are not telling me anything anymore. :icon_rage (only that "no news is good news" for now-whatever that is supposed to mean) I have been waiting for FS for quite some time, and I don't even know if my security clearance issue is even in the works yet. From what I remember and understand when starting this whole process, all FS documents had to be submitted within 90 days of Pro'Rec. I am well over that timeline now due to this issue. I am not sure if I am DQ'd from Pro'Rec, but all I know is that "I" completed everything within the 90 day timeframe.

My question:

Has anyone with a prior clearance had any issues like this? I'm sure I am not the only squid who's ever had this problem. If so, what happened? Is it just a "sit and wait" kind of game?

Also, my OR said that he sent my paperwork to his OPO (A*K*A Boss) and that everything is out of their hands now. I am really frustrated with all of this "in-the-dark" type of stuff. Does anyone know what the issue is? or what is going to happen? Is there a chance I won't get FS because of this?

Any who, I appreciate any advice, answers, input etc provided for this thread.

Again, thank you in advance.

 

[fattestfoot]

When was your clearance originally granted, and when did you get out? I "lucked out" in that my TS/SCI had expired the month before I completed the SF-86.

It should be current 2 years after you separate. As far as getting a reinvestigation and what forms it would use, I can't answer that part. I do know that an SF-86 is required for the OCS package, so I have a feeling the investigators probably got confused (e.g. they saw someone with an active clearance submit for a new clearance and kicked it back).

 

[twobecrazy]

I do apologize if this answer is posted in here already. I have been searching for similar cases, alas to no avail.

I was Pro'rec for the October 2010 boards, completed MEPS physical in December. I am also prior enlisted with a previous TS/SCI clearance.

The issue:

My OR is having problems submitting my clearance paperwork for my Final Select documents due to the fact that I've already held a previous clearance. More specifically, the "powers that be" kicked back my SF86; saying that it had to be submitted as a "Reinvestigation". Okay, so, the issue I'm having is that no one in that recruiting office knows how to submit my paperwork with the aforementioned stipulation. I assume JPAS doesn't have a section to check off "Reinvestigation" or something. I have no idea what's going on and my OR and processor are not telling me anything anymore. :icon_rage (only that "no news is good news" for now-whatever that is supposed to mean) I have been waiting for FS for quite some time, and I don't even know if my security clearance issue is even in the works yet. From what I remember and understand when starting this whole process, all FS documents had to be submitted within 90 days of Pro'Rec. I am well over that timeline now due to this issue. I am not sure if I am DQ'd from Pro'Rec, but all I know is that "I" completed everything within the 90 day timeframe.

My question:

Has anyone with a prior clearance had any issues like this? I'm sure I am not the only squid who's ever had this problem. If so, what happened? Is it just a "sit and wait" kind of game?

Also, my OR said that he sent my paperwork to his OPO (A*K*A Boss) and that everything is out of their hands now. I am really frustrated with all of this "in-the-dark" type of stuff. Does anyone know what the issue is? or what is going to happen? Is there a chance I won't get FS because of this?

Any who, I appreciate any advice, answers, input etc provided for this thread.

Again, thank you in advance.

WOW! Your story sounds exactly like mine. I was also Pro-Rec'd in OCT. I am prior service as well. I filled out the SF 86 and it was rejected as well! Only recently have I jumped ship and things started to really role for me again. That being said my OR worked his butt off trying to figure out what I needed to do. It turns out he is just having them accept the SF 86 and open up an investigation for me. The reason he is having me do the SF 86 is that my current clearance expires in a few months. I think that is currently helping me out. I just completed all of this within the past week or two. I should be expecting my FS either later this week or sometime next week.

From my understanding if they didn't accept my SF 86 I would just have to do the paperwork for a re-investigation which I'm sure people on this board have done before. Apparently it isn't much different than the SF 86.

 

[ThatBaldwinGuy]

@ Fattestfoot: I obtained my TS in 2003, then I separated back in 2005. So I believe my TS/SCI already expired. (TS good for only 5 years I think) However, the process would still be the same according to my OR. He said that he sent it to the "OPO", which has the "Authority" to submit it as a "reinvestigation", or at least find out how. This was last month. So, I email at least once a week now for any updates.

@twobecrazy: Any idea on how I could get your OR to talk to mine? I had to fill out a whole new SF86 (As I assumed I would probably have to for another background check). It's also weird because when I filled it out back in July, I did it on the JPAS website (with an anything but "glitch-free" experience :icon_rage ). However, due to the issues the website was having, I also went above and beyond and filled out a "hard copy" I downloaded from an OPM weblink. It was a current edition of the SF86 form, which even had a box to check "Initial investigation" or "Reinvestigation".

When I brought this up to my OR, he said that it all goes to the same place and that it didn't matter whether I submitted it as a "re" or "initial" investigation. (This was previous to the SF86 getting kicked back to him) Also, I filled out the "hard copy" in vain, as I later learned that it had to be certified and submitted through JPAS only. Overall, from what I can tell, this new "user-unfriendly" JPAS method has no application for submitting SF86's as a reinvestigation; as opposed to initial ones. So, I guess they are "still working the bugs out" on a few of us maybe.

So, let me get this right. Ultimately, what your OR did was submit a new investigation? or get them to accept the SF86 you originally did for the OCS packet? I am a little confused because if all your stuff eventually went through fine, I am wondering why they haven't done the same with my kit. Even if your clearance expires in a few months, wouldn't you still have to submit your SF86 as a reinvestigation? I mean, I'm only going off what I was told by my OR. Maybe, that is what this "OPO" is doing for me. I have no idea because they aren't telling me anything anymore. :icon_rage

Any who, thanks guys for shedding a little more light on the subject. I hope there is just one big easy answer that alleviates all my worry. It's only the last year of my life I've put into this process. lol

 

[webmaster]

IF your adjudication date was in 2003, your original investigation expired for SCI (5 years) and TS (7 years). With that, you passed the timeline when you could do a periodic reinvestigation or Phased Review (PR) to limit the amount of paperwork you are required to submit, and the depth of your reinvestigation. All investigations are handled and submitted through e-QIP. There are a couple ways around that, but those are isolated instances. Whoever is initiating your background investigation does so through JPAS, and that is when you have a limited 30 day window to logon to the e-QIP website, and complete your paperowork. The website is painless, as long as you READ the OPM FAQ, use the correct browser settings and don't mess up your golden question. If you ALREADY have your SF86 filled out locally, and haven't lost any info, then it should be rather painless to fill it back in and submit. There is a HUGE difference between what type of investigation is chosen, as it determines how your package is handled by the investigator and OPM.

 

[twobecrazy]

words...

When I began the process over a year ago now I initially filled out the SF 86. I turned in all my paperwork and waited to be seen at the boards with minor problems here and there. I was Pro-Rec'd in October. I went to MEPS in November and signed my SF 86 paperwork around that time. I found out in early January (due to the holidays) that it was kicked back. My OR explained that we applied for an initial investigation but I needed a reinvestigation due to me already having a clearance. So I asked what I needed to do. He told me to standby because he wasn't sure. I didn't hear from him for about a week or two at most. He sent me an e-mail stating he convinced someone to let me apply as an initial investigation but I needed to go back into my initial SF 86 and correct an employers address as it was causing an error. I received an e-mail early last week saying I needed to correct minor issues concerning 2 of my references addresses as well. But this time it was from someone at the OPM as the investigation request was being opened. I had to get the info corrected via e-mail by a certain date. I took care of it immediately. I then received a follow-up e-mail from the OPM through my OR stating everything was fine. My OR then told me that I should get my FS either later this week or sometime next week so get ready to swear in! ...

To answer your questions more directly I submitted my initial SF 86 that I originally filled out to the OPM with some minor corrections as described. So essentially I'm requesting a new investigation from my understanding. I think this is happening because I will not be going to OCS until sometime in August (my OR found that much out for me). So by that time my clearance would be expired (which is what seemed to give my OR fits) and I guess my clearance investigation will not have been completed by that time. The other thing is that my original OR was the OPO OIC. My current OR is just an OPO recruiter. Honestly I can't tell you why or how it worked out as I wasn't in the "know" during that time. What I do know is what I have shared with you. I hope this helps. If you have any more questions I will be happy to answer them for you if I can.

 

[ThatBaldwinGuy]

Hmmm, I will email my OR tonight and see if this is what I should do. I don't want to jump the gun on something that may affect what they're doing on their end. I hope it is something as easy as this though.
Thanks webmaster. At least I have an avenue to approach now. I will follow up with any news on E-QIP as soon as I hear anything back from my OR.

 

[fattestfoot]

Not sure if you were asking me or twobecrazy, but I was told I had to do an entirely new SF-86. It was a pain, but luckily most of the last 7 years were spent in the military. I'm not sure if it was a new investigation or a reinvestigation, to be honest. What I do know is that I submitted it with my application to the November board (so mid-October). I got my final select in January.

Here is exactly what my recruiter sent me (just prior to finishing up my packet):

Hate to do this to you last minute, but there is one more form you will have to fill out, the SF86, application for security clearance. I thought you weren't going to have to do it, since you clearance is still good until November of this year. However, they still use the SF86 for some of the required information at board so we'll have to get that done as well.

 

[twobecrazy]

IF your adjudication date was in 2003, your original investigation expired for SCI (5 years) and TS (7 years). With that, you passed the timeline when you could do a periodic reinvestigation or Phased Review (PR) to limit the amount of paperwork you are required to submit, and the depth of your reinvestigation. All investigations are handled and submitted through e-QIP. There are a couple ways around that, but those are isolated instances. Whoever is initiating your background investigation does so through JPAS, and that is when you have a limited 30 day window to logon to the e-QIP website, and complete your paperowork. The website is painless, as long as you READ the OPM FAQ, use the correct browser settings and don't mess up your golden question. If you ALREADY have your SF86 filled out locally, and haven't lost any info, then it should be rather painless to fill it back in and submit. There is a HUGE difference between what type of investigation is chosen, as it determines how your package is handled by the investigator and OPM.

Basically what you are saying is he originally applied for a reinvestigation when all along it should have been an initial investigation. That makes sense based off the information you provided with the information the OP posted.

 

[webmaster]

Basically what you are saying is he originally applied for a reinvestigation when all along it should have been an initial investigation. That makes sense based off the information you provided with the information the OP posted.

Correct. I still don't understand the whole OCS application and security clearance process, since I never went that route. Is the SF86 used to determine initial eligibility so they don't waste time on you? As SNAs when we went through, we did our SSBI packages after we winged in Advanced. Anyways, trust what your OR is telling you. Post on here and share your experiences, good luck.

 

[ThatBaldwinGuy]

Thanks guys, I will definitely follow up on this, as I am convinced this issue will arise for many others.

 

[twobecrazy]

Is the SF86 used to determine initial eligibility so they don't waste time on you? Post on here and share your experiences, good luck.

Yes. That appears to be the case as my new OR was telling me in August I needed to have the SF 86 completed before the board will review my application for September even though I currently have a clearance. I am not 100% clear on which investigation is being conducted for NA or NFO. I was told I only needed to go back 7 years on the SF 86 which leads me to believe it is only a Secret required for purpose of the application. But I thought NAs and NFOs needed a SSBI as you stated. I will talk to my OR and get that information worked out by tomorrow.

 

[twobecrazy]

For all concerned and to clarify some information.

1.) A SF 86 is required before you can submit your application for board review. It doesn't matter if you already have a clearance or not. This pertains to all civilian applicants.

2.) NAs and NFOs initially apply for a Secret clearance. Once you know which platform you will be on your clearance will be adjusted to TS if required and whatever is needed you will take care of it at that time.

I hope this helps.

 

[ThatBaldwinGuy]

Also, perhaps to clear up another item; the SF86 application form (also referred to as an EPSQ questionnaire) can now be completed using the NASIS website. (A*K*A* Navy Accession Security Information System-https://nasis.cnrc.navy.mil/adcnavy/jsp/adc_dod.jsp - Your OR will provide you with a login ID & password) I believe I referred to it as the "JPAS" system in the original post. It's actually the NASIS website that I used. JPAS is like a joint version of "DONCAF", which is a giant system that handles most security clearance issues for DoD. There are multiple agencies that conduct background investigations now (DSS, FBI, OPM, etc etc) so I'm not actually sure who does what for Navy OCS applicants, but I'm pretty sure all SF86's end up in JPAS and then OPM.

EPSQ, I learned, has been replaced by E-QIP (another method for investigation requests - though I'm still not sure on its application with respects to OCS selection boards) However, regardless of current or previous clearance history, a new SF-86 application must be completed in your original officer application kit for OCS selection boards. Apparently, this is the preferred and only method, as it certifies and submits the request directly and electronically in a "one-stop-shop" manner. To me, however, I see a problem with this particular method. More specifically, I see a problem for those who already have (or have held) security clearances. JPAS and OPM do not have any bearing with respects to OCS selection boards, only the process of opening investigations and determining clearance eligibility. So, seeing an initial "new" clearance application for an "active" security clearance will probably get kicked back. (as Fattestfoot has already suggested) However, the selection boards must have it submitted in the preferred method for FINDOCS. (I am assuming the SF86 is pulled from JPAS for final selection boards) See the bureaucratic mess? I am assuming this is why cases like twobecrazy's and mine are handled case by case; with all the difficulties previously mentioned. Again, going solely off what my OR has told me and through my own research on the matter. I AM NO EXPERT!!!

There is some useful information here at this link which gives a general view of the security clearance process. http://www.veteranstoday.com/2007/06/17/u-s-government-security-clearances-get-the-facts/

I'd like to find out how common this is; as I know we're not the only prior enlisted applicants to have held security clearances.

 

[aburr]

Prior service Army; secret clearance.

My SF86 has been processed, and so far no problems. I was not even required to give new fingerprints.