Does the SOR POC have to assist the applicant in developing a SOR reply?

The Statement of Reasons (SOR) Point of Contact (POC) does not have the responsibility to assist the applicant in developing a response to the SOR. The SOR is a formal document that outlines security concerns relating to an applicant's suitability for employment or access to sensitive information. The applicant is expected to respond to the SOR independently, providing their own perspective and any mitigating information they believe relevant to their case.

This independence is vital as it allows the applicant to express their own thoughts and defenses clearly without external influence, which could potentially compromise the integrity of their response. Assistance from the SOR POC is not mandated, as it is essential for the applicant to have the autonomy to address the points raised in the SOR based on their personal understanding of the circumstances.

By maintaining this structure, the process not only remains objective but also respects the applicant's opportunity to present their case sincerely. Such a foundation ensures that the review process is fair and equitable.