March 26, 2002

Personnel Security Clearances and Badge Access Controls at Department Headquarters

Security clearances are granted to ensure that only those who have successfully passed a background investigation and have a need to access classified information are actually authorized such access. Security badges provide the physical evidence that a clearance has been granted, and are used by the Department of Energy (Department) to control access to classified information as well as to Departmental facilities and buildings. Currently, about 11,000 badges are issued to Federal and contractor employees working in Department Headquarters. Approximately 4,900 of these badges have been issued to individuals who have security clearance to access classified matter and the rest were issued for "Building Access Only" to individuals who do not require a security clearance.