IT Misuse on SF86 (Section 27) (?)

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
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So, here’s my situation: I work at a federal contractor, but not a Gov. employee. A person working for DoD that I know from a past project reached out about a job working for him with direct-hire authority. It is an absolutely amazing opportunity for us and I agreed to pursue; his paperwork is in but I have no tentative offer yet, haven’t filled out any forms, no clearance investigation yet. But, being proactive, I started looking at SF86 - job would require TS, apparently - and now I’m kinda freaked out.

Basically, I’ve had a work laptop for years that I’ve also used as a personal laptop. (Dumb decision in general, but we did finally get a home PC earlier this year) Technically, that could constitute plenty of IT policy violations on its own. But, I’ve also been in the process of trying to recover from using porn, which I’ve used the work PC for as recently as April - at home, on my own time, on my cell personal hotspot. Incredibly (incredibly) stupid, yes - I’ve had pastoral counseling and I’m looking into recovery groups to continue improving. My wife is completely aware, as are some (but not all) close people in my life.

Now, there is technically no record of this, unless an IT audit is possible during investigation (I honestly don’t know what kind of records we have) - I’ve never gotten a warning, reprimand, disciplinary action, nothing from my employer.

The only other thing I can think of that would be a ‘flag’ would be a relative with duel-US/Canada citizenship.

Obviously, given where I’m at in the process, I could make the heartbreaking-but-face-saving move to forgo the opportunity when the tentative offer comes. That said, the opportunities this change would make for my family as a whole is amazing for a variety of reasons, and I would hate walking away purely out of fear I might not get cleared.

If I decide to try and see, should I disclose this (and the actions I’m taking to recover) in Section 27 & comments (27.3 seems like the only place it would be relevant)? Or do I not disclose, as there’s no record, and hope I’m not asked directly in a subject interview.

I won’t lie or try to hide it if it needs to be disclosed - it’s real and I’m taking responsibility in my personal life - but I also don’t want to overshare if it’s unnecessary and would only cause problems.

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There are several questions at the end of the form that ask about IT policy violations. These questions are not limited to being caught violating policy but ask have you violated policy - that includes being caught as well as honesty about all activity.

In addition to the IT questions on the form, there are extra questions that you would be asked if an interview is triggered. The challenges with porn viewed on a company/gov computer would need to be addressed.

Honesty is always the best policy. Answer the questions on the form honestly with a short one sentence summary of the IT issue then be ready to explain the details during you interview.

Check the info in here:

1 Like
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Thank you - that was my gut reaction, too. The only reason I brought up the alternative was because I saw somewhere else that the questions aren’t really asking about that kind of activity and if there isn’t a record it’s not reportable or something. That seemed wrong to me, which is why I wanted it clarified.

So the options come down to: pass on the opportunity and don’t try for the clearance, or try for the clearance and honestly and succinctly provide information on the form, work through the interview, and hope it’s not enough to get denied. Given the recency, is there really much hope it won’t be denied?

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At one time that might have been true but more recently sexual behavior questions may very well be part of the interview. With the advent of sexting with minors, affairs that could lead to blackmail, and devious behavior (ie the Weinsteins and Clintons of the world) the background investigation process is slowly catching up to the more prevalent dubious behavior in today’s society. Another couple of years this risqué behavior may be considered normal and have little impact, but right now one should be ready to address such things during the clearance process.