Active Vs. Current Security

[paintermike]

Great Opportunity for Carpenter/ ceiling and drywall, skilled labor types that can be team players, and stick it out when the going gets tough.
There is selective demo, patching, and some acoustical ceiling work.

Yemen.
3 or more months of work, @ $30 an hour and full per diem. There is a 20% uplift in place.
Active Top Secret Clearance is a must.

Let me know right away if interested. Visas and country clearances need to be issued ASAP..........What is the differance in a active and a current security???

[The Wild Rover]

Good Lord Mike, why do you have to ask such tough questions?:moon Well, you at least make me laugh... Anyhow, heres your answer. I hope I get this right, it's almost beer:30 time....
If I am currently working for a contractor that requires me to have a TS clearance, I have an active clearance. If I just quit a contractor, I will still have an active TS clearance for 2 years. The TS Clearances are only good for 5 years total, and after that the clearance must be re-applied for, which requires the re-filing of all the paperwork by the Cleared worker THROUGH an approved contractor...the contractor must sponsor ALL the applications, unless you work direct for the GOVT. A secret is good for 7-10, and then the paperwork must be re-filed by the Cleared worker THROUGH an approved contractor...the contractor must sponsor ALL the applications, unless you work direct for the GOVT. I will say that with the current administration, it took them 8 years to get around to completing my TS Clearance renewal...they just kept extending the TS Clearance because I was overseas, working on TS projects. Now is a different story, because the process is computerized, as in the software developed for this is now working rather well...My first clearance application, and the following few renewals, were done on a xerox copy of the old Govt. form filled out in ink, then you had to mail it...you new guys have it so easy!
If you had an active TS clearance, and went to work for a contractor that required only a Secret, the contractor could pick up your TS clearance for you if they had the legitimate need for the TS. If not, your TS clearance reverts to just a Secret, and it stays that way within a time limit of 12 months. After 12 months, the TS is lost, and the Secret is good for the time frame of the original TS clearance of 5 years from when the original TS was issued, and the paperwork must be re-filed to maintain the secret.
You were working for HB Zachry in China, and now you are not, you have 2 years after you leave a contractor, to find another contractor to "Maintain" your active clearance. If you do not find another contractor, you will have to start the entire process over again. In order for a contractor to initiate the clearance paperwork for you to get a new clearance, the US Govt. requires that the contractor has you as a legitimate employee. If you sign their contract paperwork, they can put you in for the clearance application paperwork right away. No employment paperwork, you don't get to apply for the clearance. The entire process starts over again, but first you have to have a contract or a company that has hired you in order to apply for a clearance. There are very few that do this...the ones that do it for a lot of guys at one time are for the projects like HB Zachry had in China. There are very few that will take the time and expense to do the clearance paperwork and process with a non-cleared guy, when there are skilled guys with active clearances that apply for the job. It is just not cost productive.
One way to find out if you have a clearance that is still valid, apply for a job with a contractor looking for cleared workers for your trade. If they take an interest in you, they will use your SS# to check your clearance level on the US Gov't's "JPAS" website. They can look up your clearance level, amount of time left, and which contractor or organization holds or sponsors your clearance application.

I know I was off topic on this last reply, but to get back to this threads issue, I think Frozo might have his guys, it's been quite some time (04-06-07) since he posted that thread, although I am not sure, he may still be looking--although I doubt it. maybe one of you guys applying for the position can enlighten us, or maybe someone can post up with project details.
I am sure that many of you applied for the position, let us know what you think.:cheers

[paintermike]

Good Lord Mike, why do you have to ask such tough questions?:moon Well, you at least make me laugh... Anyhow, heres your answer. I hope I get this right, it's almost beer:30 time....
If I am currently working for a contractor that requires me to have a TS clearance, I have an active clearance. If I just quit a contractor, I will still have an active TS clearance for 2 years. The TS Clearances are only good for 5 years total, and after that the clearance must be re-applied for, which requires the re-filing of all the paperwork by the Cleared worker THROUGH an approved contractor...the contractor must sponsor ALL the applications, unless you work direct for the GOVT. A secret is good for 7-10, and then the paperwork must be re-filed by the Cleared worker THROUGH an approved contractor...the contractor must sponsor ALL the applications, unless you work direct for the GOVT. I will say that with the current administration, it took them 8 years to get around to completing my TS Clearance renewal...they just kept extending the TS Clearance because I was overseas, working on TS projects. Now is a different story, because the process is computerized, as in the software developed for this is now working rather well...My first clearance application, and the following few renewals, were done on a xerox copy of the old Govt. form filled out in ink, then you had to mail it...you new guys have it so easy!
If you had an active TS clearance, and went to work for a contractor that required only a Secret, the contractor could pick up your TS clearance for you if they had the legitimate need for the TS. If not, your TS clearance reverts to just a Secret, and it stays that way within a time limit of 12 months. After 12 months, the TS is lost, and the Secret is good for the time frame of the original TS clearance of 5 years from when the original TS was issued, and the paperwork must be re-filed to maintain the secret.
You were working for HB Zachry in China, and now you are not, you have 2 years after you leave a contractor, to find another contractor to "Maintain" your active clearance. If you do not find another contractor, you will have to start the entire process over again. In order for a contractor to initiate the clearance paperwork for you to get a new clearance, the US Govt. requires that the contractor has you as a legitimate employee. If you sign their contract paperwork, they can put you in for the clearance application paperwork right away. No employment paperwork, you don't get to apply for the clearance. The entire process starts over again, but first you have to have a contract or a company that has hired you in order to apply for a clearance. There are very few that do this...the ones that do it for a lot of guys at one time are for the projects like HB Zachry had in China. There are very few that will take the time and expense to do the clearance paperwork and process with a non-cleared guy, when there are skilled guys with active clearances that apply for the job. It is just not cost productive.
One way to find out if you have a clearance that is still valid, apply for a job with a contractor looking for cleared workers for your trade. If they take an interest in you, they will use your SS# to check your clearance level on the US Gov't's "JPAS" website. They can look up your clearance level, amount of time left, and which contractor or organization holds or sponsors your clearance application.

I know I was off topic on this last reply, but to get back to this threads issue, I think Frozo might have his guys, it's been quite some time (04-06-07) since he posted that thread, although I am not sure, he may still be looking--although I doubt it. maybe one of you guys applying for the position can enlighten us, or maybe someone can post up with project details.
I am sure that many of you applied for the position, let us know what you think.:cheers THANK YOU. I THOUGHT THAT WAS THE ANSWER BUT WANTED TO BE SURE AND KNEW YOU OLDER HANDS HAD THE ANSWER.THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

[sme]

WR Thank you for taking time to break it down for us new guy's.
I think that is what RPI should be all about and I'm getting my $$ worth.


SME

[Waitmar]

I have question about clearances. I have a TS clearance through the State Department. What is the differance between that and the Department of defence. Is it possible to transfer one to the other? If so how long does it take? If anyone has done this let me know. Thanks

[The Wild Rover]

If you have a State Dept. sponsored TS Clearance, it will show up on the JPAS site with your SS#.

The clearances are different. State Dept clearances can be project specific, or area specific too. The clearances can be transfered in most cases, some are harder. If you worked for one of the Alphabet Agencies, your paperwork will sail through. If you got fired for security violations, or get fired for various offences, ie: drugs, gambling, fighting, sexual misconduct, etc...these are reasons why the clearance transfer will be kicked back.
The Disco, or DOD clearance is like I described in the previous post. Basically you are known as a contractor, or contractor sponsored clearance. This is the preferable clearance. Transfering a State clearance can take a few days, to weeks, to months..it all depends on the places you worked, the downtime between projects, etc....for example, when an MSG (Marine Security Guard) decides to get out of the USMC and work for a company like Adtech, the clearance is transferred from DOS, to the Disco DOD application.
Keep in mind, most will make you re-file the paperwork to some extent. I applied to a job offered by OBO, and the first thing they wanted was for me to apply for a new Clearance on their E-quip site. I stated I had a TS, they didn't care, just do it...
Heres the clincher...If you apply for a clearance for another contractor, and fill out the clearance paperwork, your current clearance can be eliminated or cancelled. This does not include someone going from a secret to a TS, but if I have a DoD TS clearance, and apply through State for a TS clearance, my DoD clearance is cancelled. I have seen this happen several times.
One more thing, if all the paperwork is filled out properly, you may get an interim secret clearance (kind of like a temporary clearance until your paperwork and investigation is completed) in as few as three days. You can work, although limited, in certain areas.
Where are you working? Your supervisor or Security Officer can access your account.

[paintermike]

THANK YOU. I THOUGHT THAT WAS THE ANSWER BUT WANTED TO BE SURE AND KNEW YOU OLDER HANDS HAD THE ANSWER.THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. O.K. WHAT IF YOU ARE PUT ON R.O.F.???? Is it still considered Active???

[The Wild Rover]

Should be. As long as you had a clearance when they gave you the Lay off, and the time from when they dropped you to now is less than 2 years. Either find another contractor looking for your trade, and they can verify if you meet the basic clearance criteria for the project, or call your previous contractor to see if you are still covered. Talk to the Facility Security Officer, they should be able to help.

[Waitmar]

Thank you for the info. It is helpfull to have some to ask questions. I'm in the process of transfering my clearance from the state department to DOD. Its been like 3 weeks and have not heard from them. I was wondering how long it could take. Thanks again

[Going Mad]

Well Boys, I won't be joining you. I didn't get my clearances. Could it be that I'm a terrorist or just owe back taxes?
Keep up the good work, let them know we are not all war mongers.
Going Mad

[Gabriele]

You could ask why you were denied, you may be able to clear up whatever they found to deny you. Could be some missed address, bad comments from old neighbors, etc. Not sure if they will tell you or not.

[traveler]

Going Mad.

As far as I am aware, you can through the Freedom of Information Act to contact the agency or entity doing an investigation about you to request all information obtained.

So, the next question is-How do I find out about the FOI Act. Damn good question but try to Google it, you may have a starting point at least. Perhaps there is a rat brother/sister that may have more info on this.

Like ALL Gummint requirements, there is paperwork/forms to complete and procedures to follow.

Hope this helps you.

[Going Mad]

Well I do know that they are very sensitive to bad credit. I had everything paid off and thought things were ok. I told the investigator I was making payment on the taxes. So I'm thinking it was probably that. I don't even owe that much but they are afraid I will sell secrets to whoever and take a chance like that.
The Gods want me here.

[The Wild Rover]

Bad credit. We all have had a missed payment, or something happen where we question our better judgement. The problem is that bad credit, and late payment/no payment on taxes show a pattern that you cannot manage your expenses, that you cannot pay the taxes you owe on time, and that can raise a flag to the counter espionage people working for the other side, or "Brand X" as they are called, that large sums of money would make your problems go away. I am not saying that you are a bad person, or that you don't deserve a clearance, or that you would betray the US, but the ONLY person you have to blame in this issue is yourself, so selling secrets or joking about it, you are a risk they don't want to take a chance on. Too many people in the past have compromised our countries integrity, and quite simply, they would like to avoid the chance of something getting out and this happening again. Believe me, I have 100% faith in the people that ensure this info DOES NOT get out, and take the time to do the investigations properly. If you feel that they are wrong, you may appeal the issue with a lawyer, but you must have a contractor that has faith in you, and would be willing to submit your clearance paperwork again.

[Going Mad]

It's not a big deal. I'm in the union and will get a job here. It's not like I haven't been out of the country before.
And just maybe I'll pay the taxes they say I owe. See, I wanted to work out of the country where I too didn't have to pay. If only I could pick and choose would they spent my tax money on. And I'm not joking.