AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships

Become a Fellow: Security Clearance

Depending upon the agencies that you are interested in, your fellowship may be contingent upon obtaining a security clearance. AAAS Fellowships staff are available to offer guidance on the clearance process but are not involved in processing or approving clearances. Fellows are responsible for providing and submitting required information and for following up with appropriate parties to ensure that a security clearance is obtained if necessary.

Security Clearance investigations can be delayed:

• If an individual does not provide accurate information or does not answer all of the questions on the security questionnaire, the investigative process cannot be initiated.
• Based upon the type of investigation conducted and/or the level of security clearance needed (e.g. TOP SECRET vs. SECRET).
• Because an individual has a more complex background than others and more time is required to conduct a complete investigation.
• Because the workload of the investigating agency is such that investigators cannot work at their ordinary levels of efficiency and timeliness.

Once a case is opened, the investigation could take longer if the individual has:

• Lived or worked in several geographic locations or overseas.
• Traveled extensively outside of the United States.
• Relatives that live or have lived outside of the United States.
• Background information that is difficult to obtain or involves issues that require an expansion of your case. An example would be discovering that an individual has not been forthcoming in reporting a history of prior drug usage, criminal record, credit issues, bankruptcy, etc.

For more information, access the SF86 form at: www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF86C.pdf.

For immediate inquiries regarding the procedure, please contact the AAAS Fellowship staff at:

• Tel: 202-326-6700
• E-mail: fellowships@aaas.org