Back in October, I was terminated from my job due to a security incident that had taken place. On two occasions, a safe was left unlocked and open even though the two infractions were under different circumstances. Either by my own ignorance as to the procedure (lack of company communication), or not checking to make sure it was locked properly (negligence), or due to a malfunction (mentioned by my former FSO in a memo). I have taken steps in my career to be less reckless and to be more mindful of my actions. However, I was still terminated.
I recently accepted a job offer with a DHS contractor, which is contingent on a Public Trust. I submitted all of the forms. I have been forthcoming and honest about everything. Including my employment history, security incidents, and prior drug use (which has ceased). I know there are a lot of skeletons in my closet. I had to respond to 4 different LOIs. Event though I thought I had provided enough information.
Even though I’ve been honest about everything. I’ve provided explanations, and I’ve dug through my records to provide documentation to be as upfront as I can possibly be. I feel nervous that this job is just going to fall through.
I’ve been out of work for 6 months now, and if this falls through, I dont know what I have left. Can someone maybe provide some words of wisdom on what I should expect? My response to the LOIs was last Thursday. So it hasnt been a huge amount of time.
For others coming here. I saw the following thread posted a few years ago.
Im not sure if DHS and DoD have reciprocity. But it gave me some good information.
They will think about rolling in tar and feathers to get you to talk! So, if you dont want to look loke a chicken then i wouod call your department FSO and submit to the demands they are requesting!
I had a Secret clearance and I was fired because of a security violation that happened that was accidental. It was unintentional and I was fired on the spot. Now I have an incident report on my clearance. I’m applying for a job that requires a public trust. Is it possible to get the public trust ?
August 8th: I had a security incident that got filed with DCSA. It was actually the second time it happened, but not related in nature or scope to the first. In all honesty, I was stupid and didn’t take regulations seriously. I won’t make that mistake again. So in my case, there was a clear second strike that took place.
October 2023: I was terminated.
February 2024: I submitted my SF-85P for a job.
May 2024: I was denied. (Citing the termination, security incidents, and some drug use I had from November - January in the prior months.)
I say go for it. But also look for other positions just in case. If you are smarter than I am (Which you should be) and keep a clean record, then a one-off incident is unlikely to raise such significant issues.