Which facility is the sole authority to determine security clearance eligibility of Non-Intelligence agency DOD personnel occupying sensitive positions and/or requiring access to classified material, including SCI?

• A. Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DOD CAF)
• B. Department of Defense Personnel Security Office
• C. Office of the Secretary of Defense
• D. National Security Agency

Answer: (A)

In DoD security, the final decision on whether a non-intelligence DoD employee in a sensitive role or requiring access to classified material (including SCI) is eligible for a clearance rests with the Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility. The CAF reviews the completed background investigation and applies the Adjudicative Guidelines to judge trustworthiness, reliability, and potential security risks. Investigations are conducted by the appropriate investigative body, but the CAF alone determines eligibility and grants or denies the clearance.

The other options don’t serve as the final adjudicative authority for DoD personnel. The Department of Defense Personnel Security Office handles processing steps and program support, but does not issue the final clearance decision. The Office of the Secretary of Defense sets policy and oversight rather than making adjudicative calls. The National Security Agency conducts its own security processes for its personnel, but does not adjudicate DoD-wide clearances for non-intelligence agency DoD staff.