It can be daunting for new users to understand and use the Joint Personnel

Adjudication System (JPAS), and its subsystem the Joint Clearance and

Access Verification System (JCAVS), especially if they're also new to

handling security clearances and running a security program. Though

we have detailed free information, training, and resources that JPAS users

can access at the JPAS Portal site, many other Web sites and entities have

also sprung up, offering essentially the same services for a fee.

In short, it can be needlessly costly—and lead to administrative, civil, or

criminal sanctions from the federal government—if you're unaware of the

pitfalls of having independent contractors or consultants use JPAS on your

behalf. Official guidance from the Department of Defense (DoD) and some

helpful tips can be found at the JPAS Portal's help & support page.