Question 1

What is the fundamental purpose of the suitability program in the DOD?

Accepted Answer

To determine suitability for federal employment. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "Recall that the fundamental purpose of the suitability program is to determine suitability for federal employment." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 2

What are the three main types of adjudications in the DOD?

Accepted Answer

National security, suitability and fitness, and Homeland Security Presidential Directive, HSPD-12, Credentialing. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "There are three main types of adjudications in the DOD: national security, suitability and fitness, and Homeland Security Presidential Directive, HSPD-12, Credentialing." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 3

What is the role of the adjudicator in the suitability process?

Accepted Answer

The adjudicator evaluates pertinent information obtained from background investigations and other reliable sources to ensure individuals are loyal, trustworthy, and of good conduct. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "During an adjudication, trusted government personnel evaluate pertinent information obtained from background investigations and other reliable sources to ensure that all individuals who work for the DOD are loyal, trustworthy, and of good c" https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 4

What is the first step in the suitability process?

Accepted Answer

Position designation. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "Determining an individual's suitability for federal employment includes five main elements: position designation, pre-screening, investigation, adjudication, and reinvestigation." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Common Principles in the personnel vetting process?

Accepted Answer

To promote consistency and fairness in the adjudication process across all personnel vetting domains. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "The Common Principles outline an adjudicative process framework to promote consistency and fairness in the adjudication process across all personnel vetting domains (suitability, fitness, national security, and credentialing)." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 6

Who has the ultimate authority for suitability adjudications?

Accepted Answer

The President of the United States, as granted by Congress in Title 5 of the United States Code. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "Congress granted the ultimate authority for suitability to the President in Title 5 of the United States Code." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 7

What is the significance of Executive Order 13467?

Accepted Answer

It established alignment and reciprocity of suitability investigations and adjudications across all federal agencies. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "In 2008, President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13467 as amended by Executive Order 13764, established alignment and reciprocity of suitability investigations and adjudications across all federal agencies." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 8

What are the five components of the Common Principles framework?

Accepted Answer

Investigation, Order of Operation, Risk Assessment, Preliminary Determination, and Trust Determination. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "The framework includes the following five components: Investigation, Order of Operation, Risk Assessment, Preliminary Determination, and Trust Determination." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 9

What is the difference between suitability and fitness determinations?

Accepted Answer

Suitability applies to federal competitive service jobs, while fitness applies to defense contractors and excepted service employees whose positions cannot be converted to competitive service. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "Related to suitability is the concept of fitness, which applies to different categories of employees but often holds people to standards similar to those used for suitability." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 10

What happens if a suitability determination cannot be made favorably by the DCSA CAS?

Accepted Answer

The case will be transferred to the employing component or agency for adjudication. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "Cases that cannot be determined favorable by the DCSA CAS will be transferred to the employing component or agency for adjudication." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 11

What is the purpose of periodic reinvestigation in suitability adjudications?

Accepted Answer

To review and assess new information and make a new suitability determination as needed based on various factors. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "All individuals in public trust positions are subject to periodic reinvestigation every five years." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

Question 12

What is the significance of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in the context of suitability adjudications?

Accepted Answer

The MSPB provides procedures for appeals of suitability actions. [Source: CDSE — Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DOD (PS010.16) Student Guide — "Five CFR part 1201 provides procedures for appeals of suitability actions to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)." https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/PS010-guide.pdf]

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