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last year, passed the poly, but half way through my background investigation, received a letter that my offer was being rescinded, not because of security considerations, but because of "suitability" considerations.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...
I can give you an educated guess/thought, even though I am not 100 percent sure.
I believe each agency runs their investigations completly seperate from each other. they do not rely on each other what so ever to determine your suitablity for a clearnace within their own agency. I'm not sure if the CIA can ever release the results of the investigation they completed on you.
hope that helps a little
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 (https://antipolygraph.org/forum/index.php?topic=2493.msg17578#msg17578).
George,
Is that standard procedure though (releasing one person's personal info to another agency) or was that just one incident?
Should I try to "explain myself" to NSA in case they look at CIA's stuff or is it better to just save the long-winded explaination until I have another poly or subject interview, assuming it comes up again...?????
Quote from: lookingforajob on Sep 12, 2005, 09:42 AMGeorge,
Is that standard procedure though (releasing one person's personal info to another agency) or was that just one incident?
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.
QuoteShould I try to "explain myself" to NSA in case they look at CIA's stuff or is it better to just save the long-winded explaination until I have another poly or subject interview, assuming it comes up again...?????
If the matter that concerns you is responsive to any of the questions asked on Standard Form 86 (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF86.pdf), then yes, I think it would be prudent to include an explanation at that stage in the process. You can use a continuation sheet (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF86A.pdf) 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
The thing is, the matter is not directly related to any of the questions on the SF86.
The best way to describe it is a sort of vague "character/loyalty" issue... Nothing criminal, financial, or sexual.
It only relates because it came up during my previous investigation with CIA...
I'm not sure if explaining it on a continuation sheet shows that I'm being responsible and up-front... or that I'm seeming desperate and trying to make excuses...
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!