What does NGA do?
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is the nation's primary source of geospatial intelligence, or GEOINT for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Intelligence Community. As a DOD combat support agency and a member of the IC, NGA provides GEOINT, in support of U.S. national security and defense, as well as disaster relief. GEOINT is the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information that describes, assesses and visually depicts physical features and geographically referenced activities on the Earth.
How many people work for NGA and what is its budget?
NGA employs approximately 16,000 government civilians, military members and contractors, with approximately two-thirds of the workforce located at the NGA Headquarters at NGA Campus East, on Fort Belvoir North Area in Springfield, Va., and approximately one-third of the workforce located at NGA's two St. Louis facilities.
NGA's budget is classified.
Does NGA give public tours of its headquarters facility?
No. Entry to NGA facilities is limited to employees and those with direct business with the agency.
Does NGA release information to the public?
Yes. NGA releases items of general public interest on its public website, which includes information about NGA, unclassified current publications, speeches and congressional testimony, press releases and statements, career information, and basic references. Also available are GEOINT products and services, a data catalogue, and mobile and web applications.
Does NGA spy on Americans?
By statutory and presidential direction, NGA is limited in the collection of foreign intelligence concerning the domestic activities of US citizens. NGA's mission is to provide timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of national security. Under Executive Order 12333, and in accordance with procedures approved by the Attorney General of the United States, however, NGA is restricted in the collection of intelligence information directed against US citizens. Collection is allowed only for an authorized intelligence purpose; for example, if there is a reason to believe that an individual is involved in international terrorist or international narcotics activities. NGA also provides intelligence support to domestic disaster relief and special security events in the United States. All of NGA's activities are to be conducted in a manner that protects fully the legal rights of all United States persons, including the freedoms, civil liberties, and privacy rights guaranteed by the Constitution and Federal law.
How do I apply for employment at NGA?
Individuals interested in employment at NGA can go to the Careers section on the NGA website menu (www.nga.mil/careers) and submit an electronic application for a specific vacancy announcement or for consideration for entry-level employment opportunities.
Does NGA have summer internships to college students?
Yes. NGA's summer internship program provides promising undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience during temporary employment with the agency. For information on the program's eligibility requirements, application submission process and deadlines, refer to the Careers section of the NGA webpage to learn more about opportunities for students. Click here to view current NGA student opportunities.
How can I qualify for employment at NGA?
Interested applicants can visit the Career section of the NGA webpage for general guidance on employee qualifications or review specific criteria associated with vacancy announcements. Click here to view current NGA career opportunities.
Additionally, ever NGA employee must be able to gain and hold a Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance and pass a counterintelligence-scope polygraph.
Are there items that disqualify me from employment with NGA?
Yes, there are specific elements that will automatically disqualify you from consideration for employment with NGA. NGA Employment Disqualifiers are:
- Conviction of a felony
- Use of illegal drugs
- Default of a student loan (insured by the U.S. Government)
- Failure of an NGA-administered urinalysis drug test
- Failure to register with the Selective Service System (for males only)
Will I have to pass a polygraph to work at NGA?
Yes. Successful completion of a counterintelligence-scope polygraph is a necessary condition of employment for every NGA employee.
How does the background investigation process work?
Because of NGA's mission, all NGA positions require at least a Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance. Before employees can start work with NGA, they must undergo an intensive background investigation as part of the clearance process, which includes a test for illegal drugs use, credit and records checks, and extensive interviews with former and current colleagues, neighbors, friends, professors, etc.
Applicants who have received a conditional job offer and submitted all of the required background investigation forms will be contacted by an applicant coordinator.
How long does the background investigation process typically take?
There is no "typical" background investigation process, with clearance process times ranging from three months to more than a year. Each applicant has unique life experiences and backgrounds. Factors that influence the length of the clearance process include the speed and comprehensiveness with which an applicant fills out the required paperwork and the location and number of investigative interviews required (e.g., a person with several prior employers and residences will likely take longer to investigate than a person with only one prior residence or employer). Please factor in the length of the background investigation process when planning to apply for any position with NGA.
If I have traveled or lived abroad, will that hinder my receiving a security clearance?
No. Many of the positions at NGA are internationally oriented, and experience living or traveling abroad is often viewed as a positive experience. However, there are cases where national security concerns may arise. Additionally, extensive foreign experience may delay the background investigation process if there is difficulty verifying information on the application.
Where is NGA's headquarters?
NGA is headquartered at NGA Campus East, Fort Belvoir North Area, Springfield, VA.