"In today's times, there can be no question of the need for accurate,
complete, timely and relevant background investigations of those whom the American
people entrust to perform important public service functions. The safety of
our employees, our families and our country is ultimately at stake, and we can
have no greater priority."
Kay Coles James
Director,
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
GENERAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ABOUT OPM BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS
May 2002 INV-020
Why does OPM investigate Federal applicants, employees, and contractors?
The interests of national security require that all persons privileged to be
employed in the departments and agencies of the government shall be reliable,
trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and of complete and 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
and the degree of harm that an individual in that position could cause.
The requirement to be investigated applies whether or not the position requires
a security clearance (in order to have access to classified national security
information).
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.
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.
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.
I don't want everybody reading my personal information; who sees this information?
The only persons authorized to see your personal information are Personnel
Security, Suitability, and Investigations professionals who have been investigated
at the appropriate level and who have a genuine and demonstrated need for access
to the information.
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.
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 statues, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How can I see the report you prepare about me? Do I?
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, 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.
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.
I was cited for speeding once. Will that keep me from getting a job or a
clearance?
Not necessarily. Any negative information is evaluated regarding its recency, seriousness, relevance
to the position and duties, and in light of, and in relationship to, all other
information about you.
I was arrested for shoplifting 20 years ago. Is that going to be held against
me now?
Not necessarily. Any negative information is evaluated regarding its recency, seriousness, relevance to the position and duties, and in light of, and in relationship to, all other information about you.
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.
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. Generally
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.
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.
Is it true that the investigation will 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.
Do you ever interview someone's ex-spouse or relatives?
Yes, although, in many instances, interviewing ex-spouses or relatives is not
mandatory.
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.
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.
Do I have to go to a police station to be fingerprinted?
You may go to a police station to be fingerprinted. In most instances, however,
the agency requiring the investigation and clearance will fingerprint you.
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.
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.
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.
