Investigations

Part of OPM's mission is to protect merit system hiring principles; ensure the suitability of Federal applicants, employees, and appointees; and conduct National Security Investigations on individuals who work in positions that require access to classified information.

OPM conducts background investigations for most Federal agencies and their contractors. Our history began with the creation of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), which was charged with ensuring the fitness of Federal employees. In 1953 President Eisenhower signed Executive Order 10450, which gave OPM (then known as CSC) the authority to manage the Federal government's personnel security program.

Currently, we have a contractor workforce of approximately 6,000 field investigators and support personnel. We also have a Federal workforce of approximately 2,000, including field investigators and a support staff that oversees investigative work, and develops and implements policy.

What is the result of this dynamic combination? A highly-trained, motivated, and professional workforce that represents the very best of the American work ethic. We take pride in our team and the role we play in protecting the public trust and safeguarding our Nation. We are committed to providing our Federal agency customers with excellent service, premium investigation products, and industry-setting timeliness.

If you would like to know more about the background investigation process, please Select this link for some commonly asked questions. If you have applied for a position with a federal agency or contracting firm that requires a background investigation by OPM and have an additional question(s), please review the following:

• You should first contact the local security or human resources official at the sponsoring agency or firm to which you are applying.
• If you are applying to a position that is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD), you may also call the DoD Security Services Center at 1-888-282-7682.
• If you are an applicant with access to e-QIP and need assistance, please Select this link to be directed to the e-QIP gateway page.

If you work for a Federal agency and would like to know what investigative products and services are available to you, please call (202) 606-1042 and you will be directed to your designated Investigation Program Specialist or Select this link to send us an email.

For information on our new automated personnel security forms, send an email to e-qip@opm.gov.