I currently hold a TS/SCI with FS Poly. I’m transferring positions as a contractor (to DIA) and on the sf86c I checked yes that I had an update on the foreign contact section and listed her name and address. (She’s a south korean grad student in the us). I submitted the sf86c months ago, and we’ve been waiting for DIA to adjudicate my access. They finally came back last week and said that my security check revealed that I have an unreported foreign contact, to fill out the official foreign contact form and then they could complete the last steps.
It’s been a week since I sent in the foreign contact form, and I still haven’t heard. Could it be an issue that I didn’t report her earlier? I met her in March 2025 but didn’t report her because I don’t consider her close and continuing. I just reported her on the Sf86C out of an abundance of caution. Just wondering if anyone has any idea what could be taking so long?
lol it’s actually been 2 months now! My company requested SCI access through DIA in early November. I have a TS/SCI with full scope polygraph, under CE etc. and it’s never taken this long for my access to be adjudicated before.
A week ago DIA SEC finally got to my file and said they just need me to fill out the foreign contact form and then they can complete the steps. That’s why I’m confused why we’re still waiting a week later.
Once the processors get your case they go through it making sure that all the paperwork is correct. Since you needed a FNC (foreign contact form) that process stopped. Once the FNC is sent over, and the process starts over. Once all the case forms are checked and organized, it’s turned over to the adjudicators. If I’m understanding correctly, your additional form was sent in a week ago? If so, patience, it will get done.
Gov’t shutdown effects still been impacting a lot of things. FWIW, my crossover for NGA is still going on and from what I heard, a lot of the agencies are backlogged
I guess I’m confused what they’re adjudicating though since I already hold a security clearance and polygraph? I was adjudicated after my last BI and entered CE. I’m transferring from a contract where I used the same clearance. I just updated the sf86c with a new address and the new foreign contact 2 months ago when my company put in for my SCI with the new job. Would appreciate any insights. Thanks!
They’re adjudicating the SCI part. You may have the appropriate clearance level and polygraph that can be reciprociated easily in SC, but each agency’s SCI access will be different. For instance, NSA may be very strict on foreign contacts, while DIA or NGA will be more lenient. Given that you’ve already held a TS/SCI FSP, it’s likely that the government shutdown is simply delaying the crossover process and the time it takes to transfer your clearance from SC into DISS.
Thanks so much jay! I’m sorry your process is slow too, and I hope they soon grant you access!
The annoying thing is I have my clearance in both DISS and SC. I received my original TS/SCI and FS poly from a 3 letter agency in the IC. I then did a temporary one year contract with DOD so they transferred my clearance over to DISS. My company has told DIA to check both DISS and Scattered Castles for my record. Could this be part of the hold up? It sounds like it’s more an issue with the shutdown delays. Thanks for your insights
So I received my clearance. FS Poly, and last BI from a 3 letter agency. This agency is notorious for having really tough background investigations, psych checks etc. I went for one year to a DOD contract so now my clearance and poly are in both DISS and Scattered Castles. I’m assuming they can see who originally did my BI and FS Poly?
It’s most likely the government shutdown still causing backlogs and delays for the crossover. Hang in there! And yes, what SMCVA says is right that they’re adjudicating your SCI access since it’s for a new agency
The SEAD 3 requirement to report a foreign contact does not use the words, “close and continuing contact.” The requirement is to report “Continuing association with known foreign nationals that involve bonds of affection, personal obligation, or intimate contact; or any contact with a foreign national that involves the exchange of personal information.” Even if your contact with the foreign national falls within this definition, I don’t think your failure to timely report it will cause a problem. But you should be aware of the difference between SEAD 3 and the SF86. Some IC agencies have even broader reporting requirements.
Thank you so much for clarifying this. I’m glad I reported her per the SEAD 3 guidelines. Do you have any ideas what could be taking so long to read me into my access? Two weeks ago, DIA SEC said they just needed that foreign contact form and then they could complete the reciprocity steps. It’s now been over 2 months since my company submitted my SF86C and it has never taken this long for my clearance to transfer before. Thanks for any insights!
I assume you had a break in access of more than 2 months. Otherwise the rules prohibit them from requiring a new SF86 (or SF8C, which has been obsolete for several years). Unfortunately not all agencies comply with all the rules all the time (especially IC agencies). The range of time for reciprocity is so large that it makes average reciprocity time meaningless. Also, GAO found that timeliness stats for reciprocity (as well as most other security clearance stats) reported federal agencies are grossly inaccurate (see GAO-26-107100).
