Background Investigation Questions
Click on the questions below to see the answers to the FAQs.
Why does NIH conduct background checks on federal applicants, employees, and contractors?
Why do I need a background investigation?
What is ‘position sensitivity level’ and how is it determined?
How is position sensitivity level determined?
Will I need a new background investigation?
What is involved in the background check?
I'm not a criminal. Why do you want my fingerprints?
Do I have to go to a police station to be fingerprinted?
What will happen if I refuse to give you some of this personal information?
What if problems are identified?
What if I have something negative in my background history?
I've already had a background check. Will I need a new one?
Is it true that the investigation may include a credit report about me?
From the background check, what information is stored about me?
Can I see the investigation report prepared about me?
What should I do if I remember something later, after I've filled out the form and returned it?
Are you going to interview people other than those I name on the questionnaire? If so, why?
Do you ever interview someone's ex-spouse or relatives?
Why do you need information about my relatives?
Is it okay if I guess at dates and addresses that I barely remember?
Will I get a chance to explain some of the answers I provide?
What if you talk to someone who just doesn't like me and they lie about me?
I have a physical disability. Will that hurt my chances for a job?
Are you going to tell my supervisor that I'm looking for a job?
Why is detailed information about my education required?
Doesn't the FBI conduct all Federal background investigations?
How long does a background investigation take?
Who decides if I get the job or a security clearance?
Can you explain what is meant by the adjudication process?
Can I appeal the decision if NIH refuses to issue me a new ID badge or revokes my ID badge?
Can I still fax my Signature Form for my e-QIP application to DPSAC?
Answers -
Why does NIH conduct background checks on federal applicants, employees, and contractors?
The federal government requires that all employees and contractors meet investigative standards for the level of sensitivity assigned to their job with NIH. Therefore, the background investigation mandated by the new ID badge application process is a federal job requirement.
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Why do I need a background investigation?
National security regulations require that all persons employed by the government shall be reliable, trustworthy and of unswerving loyalty to the United States. This means that the appointment of each civilian employee in any department or agency of the government is subject to investigation. The scope of the investigation will vary, depending on the nature of the position.
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What is ‘position sensitivity level’ and how is it determined?
Each position at NIH will be assigned a level of risk and sensitivity that determines the kind of background investigation required for that job. The NIH Personnel Security Subcommittee is developing a guide to assist IC’s in determining job sensitivity levels. After final development and training, these worksheets will be rolled out as part of a NED enhancement. Currently, all individuals are being processed at a non-sensitive level unless IC’s notify DPSAC that applicants need a higher level of clearance.
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How is position sensitivity level determined?
Position sensitivity level defines the degree of risk or sensitivity associated with federal government positions. The specific type of background investigation you will need depends on your position sensitivity level. An NIH-wide Personnel Security working group is finalizing position sensitivity level guidelines. These guidelines will be provided to all institutes/centers to help supervisors identify their personnel's position sensitivity level.
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Will I need a new background investigation?
All NIH employees, contractors and affiliates must have the background investigation required for their position sensitivity level. If you do not have the proper background investigation on file, you will be required to complete one.
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What is involved in the background check?
The background check, also known as a personnel security investigation, is an examination into an individual's loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability to ensure that he or she is eligible to access classified information or for an appointment to a sensitive position or position of trust. It may include a number of database checks, written inquiries, and interviews, depending on the level of sensitivity of your job.
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Do you take my fingerprints?
Yes. The background investigation requires that your fingerprints be checked against the FBI's fingerprint files for any criminal history. Since 1953, Executive Order 10450: Security Requirements for Government Employment has required that all Federal employees be fingerprinted.
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I'm not a criminal. Why do you want my fingerprints?
So that we can verify your claim that you're not a criminal by checking the FBI's fingerprint files. Executive Order 10450 requires that all Federal employees be fingerprinted.
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Do I have to go to a police station to be fingerprinted?
No. NIH has digital fingerprinting systems in place and NIH personnel security staff will fingerprint you in most cases. In rare instances, a person may have to go to a police station to be fingerprinted.
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What will happen if I refuse to give you some of this personal information?
The investigation is a job requirement. Providing the information is voluntary, but if you choose not to provide the required information, you will not meet the requirements of the job and will therefore not be considered further. If you are already employed by the Federal government, your appointment will be terminated. The courts have upheld this principle.
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What if problems are identified?
A personnel security specialist reviews each background investigation. If problems arise, you will have the opportunity to clarify background information with a personnel security specialist to work through any issues.
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What if I have something negative in my background history?
If you have something negative on your record, it is best to be upfront and honest about the issue. We utilize the ‘whole person concept' when reviewing background history. This means that any negative information will be placed into context and evaluated as just one piece of your entire history. We look for evidence of character that makes people suitable for government employment.
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I've already had a background check. Will I need a new one?
Although the new ID badge process does not require a reinvestigation, some individuals may need a new investigation because they had a break in continuous federal service or there is no record of their previous investigation, if it was conducted over 15 years ago. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) maintains most investigative files only for 15 years.
When you are notified to apply for your new ID badge, an NIH representative will let you know if your current background investigation file (if you had one) is sufficient. If it is not, he or she will help you complete the appropriate forms; you will only complete the questionnaire pertinent to the level of sensitivity assigned to your job.
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Is it true that the investigation may include a credit report about me?
Yes. A search of the records of commercial credit reporting agencies is an integral part of almost all background investigations. A less than favorable credit history is not necessarily a reason for concern when doing a background investigation. Mitigating circumstances will be considered.
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From the background check, what information is stored about me?
We keep the following information in our records: your full name, facial photograph, two fingerprints, date of birth, home address, home phone number, your background investigation form, the results of your background check, the approval signature of the person who registers you in the system, your badge expiration date, and the badge serial number.
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Can I see the investigation report prepared about me?
You have the right to request a copy of your investigation file The only persons authorized to see this information are Personnel Security, Suitability, and Investigations professionals who have been investigated and have a demonstrated need to review the information. You may request a copy of your investigation file under provisions of the Privacy Act. For an OPM investigation request, Contact the DPSAC Personnel Security office or write to OPM-CIS, FOIP, Post Office Box 618, Boyers, PA 16018-0618. You must include your full name, Social Security Number, date and place of birth, and you must sign your request.
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I am being considered for a Federal job and have been given a personnel security questionnaire. It's very long and asks a lot of personal questions. Do I have to answer all the questions on the form? Much of that information is already on my resume.
Yes. The resume is part of the application process. The Security Questionnaire is part of the investigation process. All of the security questionnaire questions should be answered fully, accurately, and honestly.
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What should I do if I remember something later, after I've filled out the form and returned it?
Immediately notify the security officials to whom you submitted the questionnaire.
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My brother works for one of the largest companies in the world, but he didn't have to go through all this. Why should I?
Congress, through statutes, the President, through executive orders, and the agencies charged with carrying out these laws and orders have required this process. There is, generally, no requirement for private employers to use the same guidelines as public employers. Of course, if your brother's job with the private employer required him to have access to classified national security information as a contractor to the Federal government, even your brother would have to be investigated.
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Are you going to interview people other than those I name on the questionnaire? If so, why?
Yes. Background Investigators are required to identify, locate, and interview a sufficient number of people who know you well. We want a balanced and unbiased investigation. It would be a questionable investigative practice to only interview persons whom the individual being investigated identified for us.
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Do you ever interview someone's ex-spouse or relatives?
Yes, although, in many instances, interviewing ex-spouses or relatives is not mandatory.
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Why do you need information about my relatives?
Relatives sometimes influence the actions of family members. We need to determine if you could be exploited by threats or pressure against your relatives or if they themselves could exert pressure against you.
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Is it okay if I guess at dates and addresses that I barely remember?
Providing information that is as complete and accurate as possible will assure that your investigation is completed in an efficient and timely manner. If you are unable to answer a question with precision, provide approximate information, note that you have done so on the questionnaire. If you are interviewed in person, point out the approximated information on the questionnaire to the Investigator.
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Will I get a chance to explain some of the answers I provide?
Yes. Many types of background investigations involve a personal interview. Moreover, you may submit information on extra pages with your questionnaire if you feel you need to more fully explain details or circumstances of the answers you put on the form.
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What if you talk to someone who just doesn't like me and they lie about me?
We talk to as many knowledgeable people as possible to get a balanced, accurate, and comprehensive picture of the person being investigated. Later, you may have an opportunity to refute any misleading or false information that was reported about you.
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I have a physical disability. Will that hurt my chances for a job?
No. It is against Federal law to discriminate against an individual based on his or her disability.
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Are you going to tell my supervisor that I'm looking for a job?
It is a requirement of a background investigation, and actual employment, that your current employer be contacted. We must verify your employment data and make other inquiries concerning your background. If you are a Federal employee or contractor, for example, it may be that your current employer needs you to have a security clearance for the work you do. In other instances, you are asked to complete the investigative form for an investigation and clearance only after a conditional offer of employment has been made for a position requiring a security clearance.
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Why is detailed information about my education required?
Educational history is necessary for jobs that require specific education and expertise. Any information supplied by the applicant must be verified.
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I was politically active during the last elections. Will that hurt my chances for a job or a clearance?
No. It will neither hurt nor help your chances.
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Doesn't the FBI conduct all Federal background investigations?
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Defense, and a few other agencies share this responsibility. The FBI mostly conducts investigations on the following: High level Presidential appointees, cabinet officers, agency heads and staff who may work at the White House directly for the President.
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Many contractors say that a security clearance is needed to apply for their jobs. How can I get a clearance in advance so I can apply for these jobs? Can I pay for it myself?
The Office of Personnel Management has no procedure for an individual to independently apply for an investigation, positions maintained by contractor, or security clearance. Clearances are based on investigations requested by Federal agencies, appropriate to specific positions and their duties. Until a person is offered such a position, the government will not request or pay for an investigation for a clearance. Once a person has been offered a job (contingent upon satisfactory completion of an investigation), the government will require the person to complete a Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, initiate the investigation, adjudicate the results, and issue the appropriate clearance.
We know that some Defense Department contractors require applicants to already have a clearance, and they have the right to administer their personnel hiring procedures the way they want as long as they don't discriminate based on prohibited factors (such as race or religion). Persons who already have clearances are those who are already employed by a government contractor (or by the government itself) and are looking for other job opportunities.
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How long does a background investigation take?
The timeliness of a background investigation depends on the type of investigation conducted. Depending on the type of background investigation, the scope of the investigation may require coverage for specific items.
The need for a security clearance may affect the time period in which an investigation is completed. Each background investigation requires that certain areas are covered before an investigation is completed.
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Who decides if I get the job or a security clearance?
Adjudications officials at the agency requiring the investigation will evaluate your case and communicate their recommendation to the appropriate personnel or security office.
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Can you explain what is meant by the adjudication process?
The adjudicative process is the careful weighing of a number of variables known as the “whole person concept.” Available, reliable information about the person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, should be considered in reaching a determination. The final suitability determination will be based on good judgment and common sense after consideration of all these variables.
Criteria:
The criteria to use in making a suitability decision, including the specific factors to consider as a basis for finding an individual unsuitable for federal employment, are found in 5 CFR Part 731.
Tips on Adjudication:
- Voluntarily report any unfavorable information
- Be truthful and complete in responding to questions
- Seek assistance and follow professional guidance, where appropriate
- Resolve suitability concerns favorably, (e.g., credit problems)
- Demonstrate positive changes in behavior and employment
Can I appeal the decision if NIH refuses to issue me a new ID badge or revokes my ID badge?
Yes. If an ID badge (PIV card) is denied or revoked, you have the right to appeal. You will be provided a written statement of the reason(s) why your badge was denied or revoked, and the procedures for filing an appeal. You may respond to the decision in writing and furnish documentation that addresses the validity, truthfulness, and/or completeness of the specific reasons for the determination in support of your response. If you believe the information gathered about you during the background investigation was misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify that information.
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Can I still fax my Signature Form for my e-QIP application to DPSAC? .
No. Your completed, original Signature Form must be dropped off at the DPSAC Enrollment Center in Building 31, Rm. 1B03.
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As part of my background investigation instructions, I am being asked to fill out a new Form OF-612 (a job application form), even though I have worked at NIH for 20 years. Is this really necessary? Plus, by signing the “612” aren’t I saying that I’m applying for a new job, when in fact I’m not?
We receive many inquiries about this very issue. The short answer is “Yes,” it is necessary to fill out Form OF-612. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the agency that conducts the background investigation for NIH and requires a completed OF-612 as part of the process. The good news is that you will have just completed the online e-QIP application, so the information asked for in Form OF-612 will be readily available.
For existing employees, we recommend that you answer Boxes 1, 2 and 3 as follows: Box 1 (Job Title in Announcement) – fill in your current job title; Box 2 (Grade(s) applying for) – fill in your current grade; Box 3 (Announcement Number) – fill in “N/A” (see graphic below).
Instructions for Current Employees
Click Image to see larger view
I’ve reached the bottom of my E-QIP online application. I answered all of the questions and filled in all the blanks but I don’t think I’m finished. Am I right?
Yes, there are still a few steps you must take before your e-QIP application can be processed. Once you have completed your online e-QIP application, print a copy for yourself. Also, print the required signature pages and then…hit the “submit/transmit” button. Your application is now complete and submitted for processing by DPSAC.
Remember, the printed Signature forms must be delivered to DPSAC (Bldg 31,
Rm 1B03) in order to complete the background investigation process.
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I’ve read that supervisors will be notified when the applicant’s Background Investigation (BI) is completed and has been favorably adjudicated. Does this also apply for contractors?
Yes, in all instances, the supervisor and/or Project Officer will be notified via e-mail.
