At what step in the national security eligibility process does the DOD CAF grant or deny eligibility?

In the national security eligibility process, the Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DOD CAF) is responsible for granting or denying eligibility during the final step, which is Step 5. At this stage, the DOD CAF evaluates all information gathered during the security clearance investigation, including any potential concerns regarding an applicant's background, financial history, criminal record, and other relevant factors that may affect their suitability for access to classified information.

Step 5 is critical because it represents the culmination of the procedural steps that assess whether an individual meets the established national security standards. The thorough review conducted at this stage aims to ensure the protection of sensitive information and to maintain the integrity of national security. Therefore, this step is where the final decision is made based on a comprehensive evaluation of all evidence presented during the preceding steps of the process.