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PERSONNEL SECURITY and
ASSURANCE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS
Executive Order 10450- (Authority)
General FAQs About OPM Background Investigations
Getting a Security Clearance ... In a Nutshell
Background Investigation Request
You may request a copy of your investigation file under the provisions of the Privacy Act. For an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) investiation request, write to:
OPM-CIS, FOIP
Post Office 618
Boyers, PA 16018-0618
You must inclue your full name, Social Security Number, date and place of birth, and you must sign your request. Visit the OPM website for additional information (link to: http://www.opm.gov/efoia/html/foia_contacts.asp).
For more information on all other Freedom of Information Act (OIA) or Privacy Act (PA) Requests visit the Department of Commerce Freedom of Information Webpage (link to http://www.osec.doc.gov/omo/FOIA/FOIAWEBSITE.htm).
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. |
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.
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