I currently have an active TS/SCI clearance that expires 09/29/2012. My 5 year re-investigation was scheduled for 06/29/2012; however, I received a RIF notification yesterday stating that I will be separated on 06/16/2012. My sub-agency is being shut down. Does my agency have the ability to grant me some sort of extension on my clearance as I look for other federal and contractor employment? Also, if I lose my TS clearance to I automatically drop down to a Secret or is it nothing?
Sir,
Security clearances are granted on a need-to-have basis when a person's position requires access to classified information. When the need to access classified information ceases (such as when the person leaves the position), the clearance is terminated (as opposed to dropping to a lower level). A terminated clearance may be reinstated if the same level or lower access is required within two years and a reinvestigation is not due.
Based on the information you provided, your reinvestigation will be due in June, and an investigation would be required before another agency could grant you a security clearance at that time. There is currently no mechanism for an agency to continue to sponsor a person's clearance when the person no longer requires the access. Your agency security office can advise you further on your specific situation.
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