A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A

Introduction to National Security AdjudicationGlossaryA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZAAccessAccess National Agency Check with Inquiries (ANACI)AdjudicationAir Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI)Automated Record Checks (ARC)The ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge ofnational security information. An individual may haveaccess to national security information by being in aplace where such information is kept, if the securitymeasures that are in force do not prevent the individualfrom gaining knowledge of such information.The evaluation of pertinent data in a backgroundinvestigation, as well as any other available informationthat is relevant and reliable, to determine whether acovered individual is: (1) suitable for governmentemployment; (2) eligible for logical and physical access;(3) eligible for access to classified; (4) eligible to hold asensitive position; or (5) fit to perform work for or onbehalf of the government as a federal employee,contractor, or non-appropriated fund employee (EO13467, as amended). For the purpose of this BDR, theadjudicative process begins when the agency receives theinvestigative product from the investigative serviceprovider and continues until the adjudicativedetermination is made, to include due process and appealactions.A method for requesting, collecting, and validatingelectronically accessible and adjudicative relevant datausing the most efficient and cost-effective technologyand means available.Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives(ATF)Back to TopBBackground Investigations (BI)Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG)Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)Bureau of Fiscal Service (BFS)Back to TopCCenter for Development of Security Excellence(CDSE)Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)Central Verification System (CVS)CohabitantA person with whom an individual resides and sharesbonds of affection, obligation, or other commitment, asopposed to a person with whom an individual resides withfor reasons of convenience (e.g., a roommate).

Introduction to National Security AdjudicationGlossaryCCentral Intelligence Agency (CIA)ConfidentialConsolidated Adjudications Facility (CAF)Continuous Evaluation (CE)Continuous Vetting (CV)Controlled SubstanceControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)Counterintelligence (CI)Covered IndividualCredentialingCritical-sensitiveThe Department of Defense (DOD) ConsolidatedAdjudications Facility (CAF) is the sole authority todetermine security clearance eligibility of nonIntelligence.The process to review the background of an individualwho has been determined to be eligible for access toclassified information or to hold a sensitive position at anytime during the period of eligibility. The FederalInvestigative Standards state that CE is required for 5% ofindividuals cleared at the tier five level. CE leverages a setof automated record checks and business rules to assist inthe on-going assessment of an individual’s continuedeligibility (EO 13467, as amended). For the purpose ofthis BDR, the CE process begins once an initialadjudicative determination is made and continues until theindividual is no longer eligible for access to classifiedinformation or to hold a sensitive position.Reviewing the background of a covered individual at anytime to determine whether that individual continues tomeet applicable requirements.Any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802.Information that requires safeguarding or disseminationcontrols pursuant to and consistent with applicable law,regulations, and government-wide policies but is notclassified under Executive Order 13526 or the AtomicEnergy Act, as amended.Information gathered and activities conducted to identify,deceive, exploit, disrupt, or protect against espionage,other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinationsconducted by or on behalf of foreign powers,organizations, or persons, or their agents, or internationalterrorist organizations or activities.A person who performs, or who seeks to perform workfor or on behalf of the executive branch (e.g., federalemployee, military member, or contractor, or otherwiseinteracts with the executive branch such that theindividual must undergo vetting).The process of evaluating a background investigationagainst a set of standards to determine whether to issuean individual a physical artifact (such as a PIV card) or adata object (such as a digital certificate) for a lawfulgovernment purpose (physical and logical access toclassified information or material; physical and logicalaccess to controlled facilities, areas, or information; orfor a role as an official government representative in alaw enforcement, investigative, security, or otherdesignated function).

Introduction to National Security AdjudicationGlossaryCustoms and Border Protection (CBP)Back to TopDDefense Central Index of Investigations (DCII)Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency(DCSA)Defense Information System for Security (DISS)Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA)Defense Security Service (DSS)Department of Defense (DOD)Department of Defense Manual (DODM)Department of Energy (DOE)Department/Agency (D/A)Department of Energy (DOE) L AccessDepartment of Energy (DOE) Q AccessDepartment of Health, Education and Welfare(DHEW)Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Department of Justice (DOJ)Department of State (DOS)Department of the Navy (DON)DCII is an automated central index that identifiesinvestigations conducted by DOD investigative agencies.Serves as an Investigative Service Provider, or ISP. Itconducts national security investigations for DOD andother federal agencies, works with other federal agenciesto determine investigative standards, and maintains interagency agreements.The DOD system of record for case management andadjudications for non-IC agencies. It is a secure, end-toend Information Technology system that reduces the DODnational security eligibility determinations, suitability, andHSPD-12 process cycle times by electronically collecting,reviewing, and sharing relevant data among appropriategovernment agencies.Any “executive agency” as defined in 5 U.S.C. §105,including the “military departments,” as defined in 5U.S.C. §102, and any other entity within the executivebranch that comes into possession of classifiedinformation or has positions designated as sensitive.Permits an individual to have access, on a “need toknow” basis, to Confidential Restricted Data, Secret andConfidential Formerly Restricted Data, or Secret andConfidential National Security Information, required inthe performance of duties, provided such information isnot designated “CRYPTO” (classified cryptographicinformation), other classified communications security(“COMSEC”) information, or intelligence information.Permits an individual to have access, on a “need toknow” basis, to Top Secret, Secret, and ConfidentialRestricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, NationalSecurity Information, or special nuclear material inCategory I or II quantities as required in the performanceof duties.

Introduction to National Security AdjudicationGlossaryDerogatory InformationDirector of National Intelligence (DNI)Due ProcessEElectronic Application (e-App)Electronic Questionnaires for InvestigationsProcessing System (e-QIP)e-AdjudicationEligibilityEnhanced Subject Interview (ESI)Executive Order (E.O.)Information that reflects on the integrity or character ofan individual, or circumstances that suggests that theirability to safeguard national security information may beimpaired, that their access to classified or sensitiveinformation clearly may not be in the best interest ofnational security, or that their activity may be in conflictwith the personnel security standards or adjudicativeguidelines.An established administrative process designed toensure the fair and impartial adjudication of facts andcircumstances when an unfavorable national securityeligibility determination is being considered. Theprocess is offered to individuals before a finalunfavorable determination of national securityeligibility is made.Back to Tope-QIP is a web-based automated system designed tofacilitate the processing of standard investigativeforms used when conducting backgroundinvestigations for federal security, suitability, fitnessand credentialing purposes.Process consists of applying a set of business rules to theresults of national security investigations to identify casesthat contain derogatory information.A formal determination that a person meets thepersonnel security requirements for access to classifiedinformation, occupancy of a sensitive position,suitability or fitness for Government employment;eligibility for logical and physical access; or fitness toperform work for or on behalf of the Government as acontractor employee.An in-depth interview between a trained and certifiedinvestigator and the Subject to develop a fullunderstanding of the Subject's background as a requiredpart of an investigation and to offer the Subject anopportunity to explain, clarify, refute, or mitigate issuesor discrepant information. The ESI shall explore thepresence or absence of all potentially disqualifyingconditions and mitigating factors.An order issued by the President to create a policy andregulate its administration within the ExecutiveBranch.Expandable Focus Investigation (EFI)Tailored investigative leads conducted to develop andresolve identified issues and explore the potential forother pertinent issues sufficient to make an informeddecision when an application (whether electronic or hardcopy), investigation, or CE identifies potential issues.

Introduction to National Security AdjudicationGlossaryBack to TopFFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)Federal Employees and Contractors Only (FEDCON)Federal Investigative Standards (FIS)Federal Investigative Elements(FinCEN)FitnessForeign Intelligence Entity (FIE)Standards for background investigations to determineeligibility for logical and physical access, suitabilityfor Government employment, eligibility for access toclassified information, eligibility to hold a sensitiveposition.Specific checks that are required to be conducted based onthe type of investigation needed. The FIS define whenthese checks are required, ensuring high-qualityinvestigations that can be reciprocally accepted. Thesechecks can include: Citizenship/Legal Status,Credit/Financial History, Date and Place of Birth,Education, Employment, FBI Checks, Foreign Activities,Intelligence Indices Check, Local Law EnforcementAgency Checks, Prior/Current Investigative Records,Public Records, Selective Service Registration, SocialSecurity Number, Terrorist/Subversive Activities, U.S.Military Discharge, and Publicly Available ElectronicInformation.Financial Crimes Enforcement NetworkThe level of character and conduct determined necessaryfor an individual to perform work for or on behalf of aFederal agency as an employee in the excepted service(other than a position subject to suitability) or as acontractor.Known or suspected foreign state or non-stateorganizations or persons that conduct intelligenceactivities to acquire U.S. information, block orimpair U.S. intelligence collection, influence U.S.policy, or disrupt U.S. systems and programs. Theterm includes foreign intelligence and securityservices and international terrorists.Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)Back to TopGBack to TopHHomeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD12)Back to TopIImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Information Technology (IT)