Obtaining TS/SCI in Private Sector - Does This Even Happen?

2018-10-12T20:42:48-04:00

I see that the TS/SCI requirement has been slathered all over just about every defense-related position in the defense industry, especially in technology. Every time it comes up, it is a requirement to already have it. I assume this is because of the time-frame to get one. Is it even possible to get a TS/SCI in the private sector?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 12 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-10-12T21:47:15-04:00

Keep your military TS/SCI Active by talking to contractor recruiters before you get out. Nough said.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Oct 13 at 2018 9:52 AM

2018-10-13T09:52:30-04:00

The TS/SCI has a active period of 5 years from when it was approved. The process for private industry is very expensive which is why they are seeking active clearences. You can get one as a civilian and you do not have to be a contractor. It is a job working for the government which most all jobs required some level of clearence. Some branches have totally difference clearences than the military and cannot be transfered or converted. Most contractor jobs require clearences which if a persons has the skill needed and has passed a level of due deligence can get a interm clearence leading to a active clearence.

Response by MAJ Michael Cummings made Dec 16 at 2019 1:10 PM

2019-12-16T13:10:52-05:00

I am taking it by your question that you do not have a TS/SCI.
There are a lot of different paths on this and I am going to vere off topic for a second before I finish.
1) If you are still in the service; AD, NG or Reserves, try to get into a position which would require you to get ANY clearance. Some contracting companies will pay to upgrade your clearance depending on skillset and demand due to the fact that you can at least pass a clearance.
2) If you have a needed skillset that is in high demand, move to an area that is harder to find those skillsets. ie if you are a computer genius move to an area that has positions that require a clearance but has a hard time recruiting IT people.
3) Apply for government positions and be prepared to wait a long time to get your clearance. Our new hires have been taking close to a year. That means working somewhere else while waiting for the clearance process to finish.

Not all government positions go through USAJOBS. Go to different agencies we sites and you will be surprised to find that many post there and not on USAJOBS.

Response by PFC John Bruton made Feb 5 at 2021 6:04 AM

2021-02-05T06:04:39-05:00

I know this is an old post but for guys transitioning, it is absolutely possible, if you are outstanding in your field many government service contractors are willing to sponsor you with pay while your background and poly are completed I know of several prior enlisted that obtained a tssbi or tssci, sometimes several years after their service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 5 at 2021 9:00 AM

2021-02-05T09:00:36-05:00

Yes for a TS. I had a TS as a government contractor for over 10 years. Never needed to be in an SCI compartment, so didn’t have that. Some contractors may have SCI because of the equipment or data they handle. Having a security clearance as a contractor requires the Government to require it plus your company must be authorized to manage employees with clearances.