Information Requirements for Suitability Referrals to OPM
- Referrals for Applicant Suitability Review
- Expedited Requests
- Referrals Based on Agency-Conducted Investigations
- Referrals for OPM Conducted Investigations
- Advisory Opinions
- CPS Passovers Based on Conduct
Referrals for Applicant Suitability Review
OPM will receive the following types of referrals for applicant suitability review and adjudication:
- Cases in which there is evidence of material, intentional falsification, deception or fraud in the initial application or examination process; and
- Cases in which the suitability evaluation indicates a Government wide debarment should be imposed.
Expedited Requests
An Expedited request, made when there are limited vacancies to be filled with no further appointments anticipated in the near future or when substantially all employment opportunities will disappear as a result of immediate certification, requires all information listed for an Applicant Suitability Determination. The INV 60 should be prominently marked "EXPEDITED REQUEST - SPECIAL HANDLING." Include the name and telephone number of the requesting official, so that he/she can be notified of OPM's decision.
Referrals Based on Agency-Conducted Investigations
If an agency is authorized by law or agreement with OPM to conduct their own background investigations for covered positions and through the process of evaluation determines case referral to OPM is warranted based on the criteria for OPM adjudication, the agency must contact OPM-FIS Suitability Adjudications for potential debarment referral of the agency-conducted investigation.
Agencies are required to submit the following when requesting OPM debarment
- INV 60, Request for Determination or Advisory, indicating the case is being referred for debarment consideration
- A statement on the INV 60 or in a separate letter explaining the reasons for the agency's determination that OPM Government wide debarment is warranted and their application of the additional considerations listed in 5 CFR 731.202(c)
- The Subject's application, OF 306, and related papers (including supplements, amendments, and attachments to forms)
- Information to establish the position is a covered position and involves an appointment that is subject-to-investigation per 5 CFR 731.104
- Sufficient information to establish the conduct and seriousness of the issues, such as a statement signed by the subject or inquiries conducted to obtain details of the conduct.
Referrals Based on OPM-Conducted Investigations
If an agency receives the results of an OPM investigation for a covered position that meets the criteria for OPM Adjudication and has not been contacted by OPM to coordinate adjudication, the agency should contact Suitability Adjudications to discuss referring the case to OPM for debarment consideration.
Written requests for adjudication should include a letter requesting OPM to reopen the investigation, reasons why the agency wants OPM to assume jurisdiction, documentation to support the request is for a covered position, OF 612-Optional Application for Federal Employment or equivalent, OF 306-Declaration for Federal Employment, and any other information that may be needed to adjudicate the case. Telephone contact with OPM-FIS Suitability Adjudications for initial case discussion is acceptable with the written request and submission of materials to follow if determined to be an appropriate referral.
Advisory Opinions
Agencies wishing OPM to address an area of suitability adjudication not identified above may request an Advisory Opinion. An advisory opinion may be obtained from OPM by submitting a written request to OPM-FIS Suitability Adjudications. The request must include the agency's Submitting Office Number (SON), the specific question area, and any supporting information (such as forms completed and any issue resolution investigation conducted). OPM-FIS Suitability Adjudications may also be contacted by phone at (724) 794-5612, extension 7400.
CPS Passovers based on Conduct
Per 5 USC 3318, passover requests of preference eligibles having compensable service-connected disabilities of 30 percent or more, must be referred to OPM. OPM will determine if the request to pass over the preference eligible is based on proper and adequate reason. Passover requests based on conduct must be referred to OPM Suitability Adjudications. (Note: Objections based on a perceived lack of ability, education, experience, or unsatisfactory performance evaluation should be submitted as a Qualification Passover requests to OPM Merit System Audit and Compliance.) The objecting agency must complete and provide:
- A SF 62 and provide any supporting documentation. Position sensitivity and risk level must be shown on the INV 60.
- Proof of the disability dated within the past year, and
- Copy of letter sent to the preference eligible notifying him of the passover request, the reason for it, and of his right to respond to the Office of Personnel Management within 15 days in accordance with 5 USC 3318(b)(2).
NOTE: The passover cannot be based on confidential information.
Please refer all requests to:
Office of Personnel Management
Federal Investigative Services-Suitability Adjudications
PO Box 618
Boyers, PA 16018-0618
If you have questions concerning this information or your requests, please contact Suitability Adjudications at (724) 794-5612, extension 7400.