Determination of No Action for Secret Security Clearance

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on my current situation regarding my Secret Security Clearance process. I started this process back in October 2023 and recently reached out to my security admin for an update. She informed me that my status is “Determination of No Action” and mentioned that they would cancel the investigation and I would need to resubmit an entirely new SF-86 form and go through the whole process again.

I’m a bit confused and concerned about this outcome because after my initial interview, my investigator called me twice to request additional information. They also contacted one of my references for more details. I provided all the requested information accurately and truthfully.

From what I understand, a “Determination of No Action” means they didn’t proceed with the investigation because of a lack of information to make a proper decision right? Shouldn’t it be possible to resolve this by providing more information rather than starting over? What would a whole new investigation uncover that the original didn’t?

Given this situation, I’m unsure about my next steps. Here are my main questions:

Is there anything I can do to avoid having to resubmit a new SF-86 and start the process from scratch?

Are there specific steps I should take or specific departments/individuals I should contact to address this issue more effectively?

I’m really hoping to get some clarity and avoid further delays in this process. Any advice or shared experiences would be appreciated.

TLDR: Got “Determination of No Action” what steps should I take from here?

2

The investigator called for more information because they did not ask all the required questions during the interview, if we miss something then we have to contact the Subject to get the information. Contacting
a reference does not mean you’re lying, it is just a requirement for the specific issue discussed.

As far as a determination of no action, I have no idea. Investigators are not involved in that portion of the investigation so I can’t provide any insight.

3

I got a “no action” back in January. It means the adjudicator didn’t have enough information to make a decision so it was kicked back to investigation to get more info. Check with your FSO/whomever and make sure it’s back open or pending, otherwise there’s nothing for you to do but continue waiting.

Funny story, I hadn’t seen this status ever come up and you’re the third now I’ve seen get it this year. For myself and the other person, it was because they wanted medical records.

4

Most likely the No Determination of Action means they declined to grant you “Interim” access while your investigation is in progress, meaning there was an issue of concern and they wanted to flush it out before giving you access.

5

Strangely it happened to me during adjudication months after the investigation concluded. It’s possible security requested interim for me a second time, but I had been declined for interim 7 months earlier.