Security Clearance Services

Individuals who have been nominated for a security clearance are entrusted with classified information, and the government has increasingly scrutinized individuals who possess a security clearance. Obtaining a security clearance can be a difficult process. If an individual faces the loss or revocation of a clearance, the consequences can be serious.

In today’s challenging global business environment, under the cloud of international uncertainties and pervasive government regulations and security initiatives, many individuals and companies are affected by security clearance regulations. Companies, large and small alike, must grapple with security clearance issues and assure their employees are in compliance with security clearance regulations at all times. The risks of non-compliance have serious national security implications as well as the threat of governmental business restrictions and penalties.

The Security Clearance Task Force assists companies, key management personnel, and employees in obtaining and maintaining the proper security clearance to work with the Department of Defense, the military services, and other agencies requiring security clearances. The security clearance lawyers are familiar with the applicable regulations and work with the appropriate national and local government offices to establish the proper clearance for clients.

This Security Clearance Task Force also assists companies with foreign ownership, control, or influence issues (FOCI) in obtaining a facility clearance and provides innovative solutions to other facility clearance problems. We offer clients experienced legal counsel and work closely with clients during the security clearance process. Our services include consulting on initial background investigations, representing clients in adversarial hearings, requesting waivers, and representing clients during the appeals process.

Practice Highlights

Pre-Security Clearance Counseling – Armstrong Teasdale’s security clearance lawyers guide clients through the process of obtaining a personal security or facility clearance. We provide counseling and assist clients in the completion of necessary security clearance forms and questionnaires including the SF 86 and the DD 1879, and our attorneys personally guide clients through the security clearance interview process.

Security Clearance Counseling – The Security Clearance Task Force attorneys, all with government or military backgrounds, are familiar with the appropriate guidelines, directives, executive orders, and statutes. They assist clients in maintaining the proper security clearance and anticipate future problems.

Denial of Security Clearance – In the event that a necessary security clearance is denied, Armstrong Teasdale’s security clearance lawyers are well-versed in the best practices for responding to a denial letter. Our attorneys assist clients in determining whether to request a hearing, seek a waiver, and/or appeal a case. Our attorneys represent clients in hearings before administrative judges of the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals of the U.S. Department of Defense and prepare the most comprehensive case that demonstrates an individual’s ability to access and handle even the nation’s most vital secrets. Our security clearance lawyers also assist clients who face a denial or revocation from other Central Adjudication Facilities such as the U.S. Army Central Adjudication Facility, the Department of Navy Central Adjudication Facility, and the Air Force Central Adjudication Facility.

Facility Clearances – Armstrong Teasdale’s Security Clearance attorneys are experienced in guiding companies through the facility clearance process under the National Industrial Security Program. We advise on techniques for obtaining sponsorship requests, help with completion of all necessary documents, and assist with development and implementation of internal security operating procedures. Where companies have FOCI issues which otherwise prevent approval of a facility clearance, we are experts at designing innovative approaches for “mitigation” of FOCI, and negotiation of facility security agreements with the Defense Security Service.

Requests for Proposals –Our focus is on the most cost-effective and expedient approach to allow our clients to respond to Requests for Proposal from the government involving classified contracts.

Maintaining a Security Clearance – Upon receiving the desired security clearance, Armstrong Teasdale’s security clearance lawyers continue to advise clients of the type of unfavorable events and issues that could lead to the loss of a security clearance.

Members of the Security Clearance Services Practice Group

Davis, Glenn	Montgomery, John
Jackson, Bob	Scherrer, Richard
Kaveney, Brian	Weaver, Tom
Martin, Jim