Public Trust security clearance SF85P- Question

SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A
1

I have been working remotely with a Consulting company (Company A) for the last six years as a 1099 subcontractor through my own LLC. I passed two public trust clearances sponsored by this company a couple of years ago. Recently I have been placed on a project with a different gov agency so I am required to fill out the SF85P again.

Two years ago, I got an opportunity to work as a W2 employee at another company (Company B) which I accepted. I am working remotely as a developer supporting their HR department (not working on any federal projects).

I am able to fulfill my duties at both jobs quite sufficiently and have no performance issues.

Now that I am filling out my eqip for Company A where I am a subcontractor working through my own LLC, I have two parallel jobs (both work from home) which was not the case when I completed my clearance before.

Question:
I understand that I will have to mention both jobs on eqip. Would it be ok if I am truthful on eqip and with the investigator about my second w2 job?

I am assuming that the investigator will reach out to my w2 job supervisor at Company B, I will make them aware in advance of the potential call from the investigator so that’s not an issue.

Company A where I am a contractor doesn’t know about my 2nd job. It’s a large scale company, not sure if FSO will inform Company A about my second job. I don’t even know who the FSO is for this investigation neither does my boss.

Would I run into trouble because of my situation, Is it worth proceeding with clearance or should I cancel my contract. On a side note, I have a really good relationship with Company A, they really admire my work. Cancelling my contract with them will be a set back for my LLC’s relationship with Company A but I am willing to do that if going through clearance is more trouble.

2

The only thing I can think of is if Company A has some kind of “conflict of interest” policy that you might be violating. That might raise some concerns. Of course as a 1099 employee you might have more latitude compared with a regular employee.

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3

As far as clearance, that might be an issue for a clearance, but probably not so much for a public trust. As @sbusquirrel said, your main obstacle would be conflict of interest with your employers. Just make sure you’re not violating any non-competes you might have signed.

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4

Thank you for your response. Do you think FSO will see it as an issue? Or investigator? They have not asked for a copy of my contractual agreement with Company A as part of eqip.

5

The investigator may want to ask about it, but I don’t think it will be a major problem since you are not a regular employee… unless there is some specific policy at Company A preventing you from working elsewhere or wanting to be informed (so they can make sure there’s no conflict of interest).