Any GOVT IT contract you must BE ON CONTRACT to apply for a TS/SCI, youre wrong. Its a chicken beore the egg argument for our people because Jobs recquire TS/SCI, but you cant get a TS/SCI unless you are on contract. Thats why most of the time its ex military that got those jobs, or people who start off with Secret and get upgraded.
most SECRET clearance takes 3-6 months, your clearance you got in 13 days was an INTERIM. THey still do a full background check before your real clearance is granted you just never hear about it.
TS/SCI is a deeper background check, more financial records, more references, SOMETIMES a polygraph, almost always 1 person interview. My dad, my sister both have TS/SCI.
Maybe IT is different, but dont call me an idiot.