Before an investigation can be initiated, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and provide information about your background. The type of questionnaire you will be asked to complete will depend on the type of investigation needed for the position. For example, if the position requires a security clearance, you will be asked to complete the Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions. Links to these questionnaires used in the investigation process are provided on this page. 

In most instances, you will be asked to complete an electronic version of the form on OPM's Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system. To help expedite the process and to ensure the completeness and accuracy of your responses, you may find it helpful to prepare your answers in advance. The information you provide on the questionnaire will be used to direct the investigation. For that reason, complete names and addresses, including house numbers and zip codes, are important. Keep in mind that incomplete or incorrect information will not only delay the investigation, but could result in an adverse action being taken against you.

If you have any questions about how to complete the questionnaire, please contact the agency's Human Resources or Personnel Security office that asked you to complete the form.

Commonly used access forms for OPM systems:

• INV 70B - REQUEST FOR PIPS/CVS User ID/Access - Use this form to request access to OPM's Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS) and Central Verification System (CVS). If you need to request access to CVS in order to upload batch files of clearance or credentialing information, please log in to the OPMIS Secure Portal, click the "CVS Batch File Submission" button and fill in text box with required information.
• PIPS 11 - SECURITY OFFICE IDENTIFIER (SOI) AUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENT FORM - Use this form to update the authorized contacts listed on an SOI, to update contact information for an SOI, or request a new SOI.
• PIPS 12 - SUBMITTING OFFICE NUMBER (SON) AUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENT FORM - Use this form to update the authorized contacts listed on an SON, to update contact information for an SON, or request a new SON.

OPM FIS conducts background investigations for use in determining if people meet the suitability or fitness requirements for employment, or are eligible for access to Federal facilities, automated systems, or classified information. OPM FIS is the primary investigation service provider for the Federal Government. As part of OPM FIS commitment to transparency and in support of OPM FIS' response to the Government Accountability Office's recommendations in GAO-12-197, Background Investigations, Office of Personnel Management needs to Improve Transparency of Its Pricing and Seek Cost Savings, February 28, 2012, FIS pledged to produce an annual report.

The FY 2012 FIS Annual Report  gives an overview of FIS structure and operations and most importantly, provides fiscal transparency for our customers and stakeholders.