Frequently Asked Questions Investigations

Suitability determinations are made on a case by case basis for covered positions in accordance with title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, part 731.  Covered positions are those in the competitive Federal service, those in the excepted service that noncompetitively convert to the competitive service, or career appointments to positions in the Senior Executive Service.  This regulation does not apply to military personnel, employees in the excepted service, or contractors.

Our office has a voluminous workload and requests are completed on a first in/first out basis; therefore, we are unable to provide a specific timeframe for processing requests.

Once a period of debarment from competition for, or appointment to, specified positions has expired, a person is eligible to apply to any vacancy announcement posted following the application procedures outlined for the announcement.  The agency to which the person applies will process the application and evaluate the suitability of the applicant, as appropriate. 

No; per 5 CFR 731.101(a), determinations made and actions taken under part 731 are distinct from objections to eligibles or passovers of preference eligibles, and OPM's and agencies' decisions on such requests, made under 5 U.S.C. 3318 and 5 CFR 332.406. The appeal right under 5 CFR part 731 does not extend to any other employment action that an agency takes outside of the procedures set forth in part 731.

If a material, intentional falsification, or deception or fraud issue is developed during an OPM investigation, we will contact the agency to coordinate the adjudication. We may assume jurisdiction after discussing the case with the agency. If an agency feels an OPM investigation developed a material, intentional falsification, or deception or fraud issue that should have been adjudicated by OPM but was not, it may contact SAB to request a second review of the case.

OPM conducts the background investigations which may be requested by Federal agencies as the basis for a security determination.  The adjudication of the investigation and the maintenance of the security clearance are the responsibility of the agency sponsoring the clearance.  We encourage you to contact your security office as soon as possible to discuss your situation and ensure you have met their requirements.

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.

You may go to a police station to be fingerprinted. In most instances, however, the agency requiring the investigation and clearance will fingerprint you.