I received a conditional offer of employment (COE) from CIA last year, passed the poly, but half way through my background investigation, received a letter that my offer was being rescinded, not because of security considerations, but because of "suitability" considerations.  CIA, obviously, didn't reveal its reasons.

I think I have an idea of what the problem *might* have been, though I was assured by people within CIA that as long as I was fully up front about the episode, which I was, I wouldn't have any problems.  BTW, this "episode" was not drug, crime, or debt-related.

Now I've received a COE from NSA.  So far, my contacts at NSA haven't asked whether I've ever applied to other intel agencies, so I haven't volunteered what happened with CIA.  However, they will find out soon enough when I turn in my SF86...  My question is, will NSA immediately defer to CIA's negative determination of my suitability for employment???

I would really like to provide additional information (as in a written statement) about the problematic episode that I think might have nixed my application with CIA.  Should I do that when I submit my SF86 to NSA?  Or can I afford to wait until my poly or subject interview?  I just fear that if I DON'T provide the additional explanation (which will hopefully mitigate any concerns) when I submit my SF86, then I won't even get to do the poly or subject interview because NSA will rescind my offer right then and there based on CIA's actions.

Please help!!!  I have no intention of hiding anything, but just want to know how to handle this in a timely and tactful manner...

While the CIA will not release the results of its investigations to individuals who request their records under the Privacy Act, it can and will release them to other federal agencies. For an example, see the discussion thread, CIA Released My Sexual History.

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While I do not have first-hand information in this regard, my inference is that it is standard policy for the CIA to share applicant information with at least some federal agencies.

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If the matter that concerns you is responsive to any of the questions asked on Standard Form 86, then yes, I think it would be prudent to include an explanation at that stage in the process. You can use a continuation sheet if necessary.

On a related topic, "Interviewing with an Intelligence Agency  (or A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fort Meade)" by Ralph J. Perro is a must-read for NSA applicants. You'll find it here:

http://www.fas.org/irp/eprint/nsa-interview.pdf

I had a phone interview and was given a reading list. 

I read 3 of the long books, taking time out of my law practice.  3 weeks later, I got a letter in the mail telling me that I wasn't good enough.

Thanks CIA!