# 10 C.F.R. § 1046.18 (2026): Access authorization

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_18

## Section

- **Citation:** 10 C.F.R. § 1046.18 (2026)
- **Heading:** Access authorization
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 10 CFR: Energy / Chapter X: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) / Part 1046: MEDICAL, PHYSICAL READINESS, TRAINING, AND ACCESS AUTHORIZATION STANDARDS FOR PROTECTIVE FORCE PERSONNEL / Subpart B: Protective Force (PF) Personnel / § 1046.18: § 1046.18   Access authorization.

## Text

PF personnel must have the access authorization for the highest level of classified matter to which they have access or SNM which they protect. The specific level of access authorization required for each duty assignment must be determined by the site security organization and approved by the local ODFSA. At sites where access authorizations are not required, SPOs must have at least a background investigation based upon a national agency check with local agency and credit check with maximum duration between reinvestigations not to exceed 10 years. This background investigation must be favorably adjudicated by the applicable Departmental field element. Those SPOs who have access to Category I or Category II quantities of SNM as defined by DOE or with access to credible roll-up potential to Category I according to site-specific determination must have and maintain a DOE “Q” access authorization.

## Nearby sections

- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.11 (2026) § 1046.11   Essential functions of PF positions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_11.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.12 (2026) § 1046.12   Medical, physical readiness, and training requirements for PF personnel.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_12.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.13 (2026) § 1046.13   Medical certification standards and procedures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_13.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.14 (2026) § 1046.14   Medical certification disqualification.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_14.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.15 (2026) § 1046.15   Review of medical certification disqualification.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_15.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.16 (2026) § 1046.16   SPO physical readiness qualification standards and procedures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_16.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.17 (2026) § 1046.17   Training standards and procedures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_17.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.18 (2026) § 1046.18   Access authorization.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_18.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.19 (2026) § 1046.19   Medical and fitness for duty status reporting requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_19.md)
- [10 C.F.R. § 1046.20 (2026) § 1046.20   Medical records maintenance requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_20.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T10_P1046_S1046_18. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.