Executive Order 10450- (Authority)

General FAQs About OPM Background Investigations

Getting a Security Clearance ... In a Nutshell

This section has been provided to assist new applicants, contractors and newly promoted federal employees with obtaining the appropriate background investigation to be completed as a condition of employment or association with the Department of Commerce. 

Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP)

We are no longer accepting paper investigation packages. All investigations must now be processed through e-QIP. A memorandum dated June 25, 2007 was sent out to all Human Resources offices and Acquisition and Contracting Officer Representatives. Also, an email was sent out from the servicing security offices in 2007, as a reminder about the updated procedure. EQIP is the electronic investigative form developed and managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  EQIP electronically validates the electronic security questionnaire form prior to the subject submitting the package to ensure that the form has been completed properly. This will assist in more timely completion of investigative packages by reducing the number of cases that we must return for correction.  All e-QIP electronic security questionnaire submissions must be processed and released to OPM within 14 calendar days of subjects release of the e-QIP submission to the agency.  Failure to submit timely e-QIP packages to the servicing security office will result in package being rejected and will require subject to resubmit.  Each office requiring investigations for non employees (i.e. contractors, guest workers, interns etc.) must coordinate directly with this office.  This needs to be accomplished prior to entry on duty date if possible. We will work with each contact as they begin using the e-QIP system. Pam Ruhlen and Patricia "Trish" Neunz are the principal contacts within our office for e-QIP and they may be reached at (757) 441-3415 or (757) 441-3620. Thank you.

NON SENSITIVE POSITIONS: Low, Moderate and High Risk Positions

Note To HR Specialist and Managers:  An applicant for a "High Risk Position" or "Moderate (IT) Risk Position" must favorably complete the Pre-Appointment process prior to the establishment of an Entry-On-Duty (EOD) date.  An applicant for a "High Risk Position" must have a final favorable investigation on file with the Security Office before the applicant can be placed in the position.  In some cases due to emergency situations managers with the assistance of their servicing HR office can request a waiver to DOC policy.  The HR Specialist and the manager must contact the Security Office for further guidance. 

SENSITIVE POSITIONS: Non Critical Sensitive, Critical Sensitive, and Special Sensitive Positions

Note To HR Specialist and Managers:  Sensitive positions are designated as positions of National Security Interest.  An applicant must have a favorably completed background investigation before applicant can be hired, reassigned, detailed or promoted into the sensitive position.  In some cases due to emergency situations managers with the assistance of their servicing HR office can request a waiver to DOC policy.  The HR Specialist and the manager must contact the Security Office for further guidance. 

NON FEDERAL ASSOCIATE, CONTRACTOR, CONSULTANT, SCIENTIST, GUEST WORKERS and VISITORS

 Note To Contracting Officer (CO) and Technical Representative (COTR):  CO's and COTR's are responsible to ensure all non DOC employees complete and submit the appropriate security assurance forms to the servicing security office.  If the contract is designated  High Risk or as a Classified contract the CO and COTR must contact this office before the contract has been awarded for further guidance.  An applicant for a "High Risk Position", "Moderate (IT) Risk Positions" or Sensitive Position must favorably complete the Pre-Appointment process prior to the establishment of an Entry-On-Duty (EOD) date.