Security and Investigations Center
OUR MISSION
The Mission of the Security and Investigations Center (SIC) is to process and adjudicate the background investigations for all moderate risk and high risk public trust and national security positions for federal employees within the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as all level of investigations for contractors performing jobs and functions for the Department of Veterans Affairs. |
Please note: This site does not provide resources or information for individuals seeking employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Federal Government. Individuals seeking employment with the Federal Government may wish to go to the United States Office of Personnel Management's one-stop source for Federal jobs:
The Security and Investigations Center is also unable to respond to requests from individuals regarding the status of a background investigation (completed or pending). VA employees should contact their servicing Human Resources Office and Contract employees should contact their Contractor-Employer for the status of a background investigation. |
About the Security and Investigations Center (SIC)
The SIC operates as one of the business segments of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Franchise Fund, which is comprised of six self-supporting lines of business (Enterprise Centers) and an administrative office (Franchise and Trust Fund Oversight Office). Under the authority of the Government Management Reform Act of 1994 and Public Law 109-114, VA Franchise Fund Enterprise Centers (ECs) are authorized to sell common administrative support services to VA and other Government Agencies on a fee-for-service basis and operate entirely on revenues earned from customers. The collections from customers for products or services provided constitute SIC’s funding source. ECs receive no federally appropriated funding. Activities conducted by the ECs are approved and reviewed by the Franchise Fund Board of Directors. Board members are comprised of officials from the Office of Management; Office of Information and Technology; Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP); and General Counsel, in addition to the Chief Financial Officers from the three VA Administrations. The Office of Personnel Security and Identity Management, under the direction of OSP, provides oversight to the SIC.
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SIC’s primary line of business is to identify security risks through investigation and adjudication so that SIC’s staff is able to advise their customers of the proper course of action necessary. Services include preliminary reviews, investigation in partnership with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and final security and suitibility determinations. The costs of services provided by SIC vary depending upon the scope of the investigation, the nature of the position, and whether or not the investigation is for a contractor or an employee.
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The daily execution of the program is the responsibility of the Director and Deputy Director of the VA Security and Investigations Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Management oversight of the SIC is the responsibility of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Personnel Security and Identity Management. The overall guidance and direction comes from the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP).
As a Franchise Fund entity, SIC also reports to the Franchise Fund Board of Directors. Significant Board responsibilities include review and approval of the addition and/or deletion of Enterprise Centers, annual budgets, rates, capital projects and charter revisions.
In addition, SIC works closely with the Franchise and Trust Fund Oversight Office. They provide support by directing, reviewing and analyzing budget formulations, managing overall financial and business planning, and ensuring the SIC keeps informed of current trends, policies, and legislation that could ultimately impact their center.
Security and Employment Forms |
Description of Form |
Standard Form 85 | Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions |
Standard Form 85P | Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions |
Standard Form 85P-S (EG) | Supplemental Questionnaire for Selected Positions |
Standard Form 86A (EG) | Continuation Sheet for SF85, SF85P, & SF86 |
OPM Optional Form 306 | Declaration for Federal Employment |
OPM Optional Form 612 | Optional Application for Federal Employment |
VA Form 0710 | Authorization for Release of Information |
Filled In Sample Forms |
Description of Form |
Standard Form 85 - Sample | Filled In Sample |
Standard Form 85P - Sample | Filled In Sample |
Standard Form 85P-S (EG) - Sample | Filled In Sample |
OPM Optional Form 306 - Sample | Filled In Sample |
VA Form 0710 - Sample | Filled In Sample |
Other Useful Documents |
Description of Document |
Common Errors on Security Questionnaires | Rejection Errors that are Common |
FAQ OPM Background Investigations | General Questions and Answers |
DVA Memorandum - Electronic Fingerprinting | DVA Memo, Subject: Electronic Fingerprinting |