Background Investigations Investigations FAQs

The RSI is not a background or criminal investigation. RSIs are focused investigations to obtain information to resolve issues developed about an individual. An agency may request an RSI when it needs additional investigation to resolve issues that might fall outside the normal scope of another investigation (such as alcohol or drug rehabilitation or credit); to establish a history or pattern of behavior; or to obtain other information related to suitability or security which is not necessarily connected to a current background investigation. The cost of the RSI varies depending on the work to be performed; expedited service is available at an additional cost. A representative of OPM-FIS will contact the agency prior to scheduling the investigation to provide a cost estimate. To initiate an RSI, the agency needs only to submit a letter or memo to OPM-FIS Customer Interface. Customer Interface processes agency requests to reopen investigations and conduct a Reimbursable Suitability Investigation (RSI). Agencies may submit their requests via fax (724) 738-0178, or mail: OPM-FIPC Customer Interface PO BOX 618 1137 Branchton Rd. Boyers, PA 16018-0618 If you have a question about a reopen or RSI, please call the Telephone Liaisons at (724) 794-5228. Reopen or RSI requests must be typed on agency letterhead and contain the following:

• Security Office Identifier (SOI)
• Submitting Office Number (SON)
• Interagency Payment and Collection Code (IPAC)
• Subject's current location and phone number
• Clear description of the work being requested in the reopen or RSI
• Name, phone number, and email address of the individual submitting the request

For more information about RSIs, see the Federal Investigation Notices, Letter No. 97-2, dated July 29, 1997, and Letter No. 93-4, dated June 14, 1993; or, call SAST (724) 794-5612, extension 4600.

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.

An individual's failure to register with the Selective Service is considered an issue of eligibility for appointment, and agencies should follow the guidance provided in 5 CFR 300.701-707 when considering such individuals for appointment. Questions may be directed to the Human Capital Leadership and Merit System Accountability Division at (202) 606-2131, or you may write to: U.S. Office of Personnel Management Human Capital Leadership and Merit System Accountability Division 1900 E Street NW, Room 7470 Washington, DC 20415

Under the provisions of 5 CFR parts 731 and 732, agencies are required to report their final adjudicative actions to OPM. Per 5 CFR 731.203(g), all actions based on an OPM investigation must be reported to OPM as soon as possible and in no event later than 90 days after receipt of the final report of investigation. The INV FORM 79A is included with closed OPM Reports of Investigation for this purpose. Agencies should follow the instructions provided on the form and return it to OPM within 90 days after receipt of the final report of investigation. In some cases, agencies will also be asked to contact OPM to coordinate adjudication. Occasionally, the agency may be contacted by SAB if OPM decides to assume jurisdiction and adjudicate the case.

Individuals can verify the status of an OPM investigator by contacting FIS Security and Safety Team at 888/795-5673 or fissst@opm.gov.  

Suitability determinations are made on a case by case basis in accordance with part 731 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, for covered positions that are subject to investigation.  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, positions in the excepted service other than those subject to suitability, or contractors.    A felony conviction does not automatically make one unsuitable for Federal employment.  When making a suitability determination, an agency will evaluate the individual’s character traits and decide whether their employment or continued employment would or would not protect the integrity or promote the efficiency of the service.  The factors that may form the basis for finding a person unsuitable can be found under 5 CFR 731.202(b) and include criminal or dishonest conduct.  To the extent deemed pertinent to an individual’s case, the agency making the determination must give consideration to the additional considerations found under 5 CFR 731.202(c) which include things like the nature of the position for which the person is applying, the circumstances surrounding the conduct, the recency of the conduct, and the absence or presence of rehabilitation. 

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.

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, 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.

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.