Security Clearance Appeals

By John V. Berry, Esq., www.berrylegal.com

Security clearance appeals can vary, depending on the federal agency that holds (or is reviewing) the individual’s security clearance.  We represent federal employees and government contractors, nationwide, before all federal agencies with respect to security clearance appeals.

Different Federal Agencies, Different Appeals Procedures

The most frequent federal agency to hear security clearance appeals is the Department of Defense (DoD), which often hears cases through the Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF) and the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA). We represent federal employees and contractors in clearance matters before this agency (and all others, like DoS, DoI, DoT, DoJ, etc.), along with appeals adjudicated by the Intelligence Community (e.g. NSA, DIA, CIA, NGA, NRO).

It is important to note that while they are governed by the same Executive Order, each federal agency processes security clearance appeals differently. Our firm is versed in the different appeals processes for each agency.  Each federal agency generally provides for an in person (face to face or “personal appearance”) meeting to discuss the security clearance issues at issue either at Step 1 or Step 2 of the appeals process.  We generally recommend that an individual take advantage of this opportunity in responding in person, in addition to responding with a solid written response with exhibits.

Conclusion

If you need assistance in representation in a security clearance matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or through our contact page.