Frequently Asked Questions Investigations

Once you have been notified that you have access, login by entering your social security number and answering the three Golden questions. After logging in the first time, you will be prompted to change your golden questions to ensure the security of your data. After changing your Golden questions, e-QIP presents you with the Main Menu. Select the link entitled, "Enter Your Data" from the main menu screen. After reading all instructions, you can now begin entering your personal data. In order to ensure the completeness of your data, a validation routine will run after each page is submitted. The validation routine will point out any errors and provided detailed instructions on how to satisfy each incorrect or missing item. When you are satisfied that your form is complete, select the "Display" link from the main menu. After a final review of your data, select the "Certify Your Investigation Request" button to finish your form. On the last screen make sure to print a copy for your records and print and sign each form that has a blank for your signature. Only after you have printed and signed the appropriate signature pages, should you click on the final link entitled, "Release Request/Transmit to Agency."

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Federal Investigative Services (FIS), maintains its records in a Privacy Act system of records. To determine if OPM has conducted a background investigation on you and maintained a copy of your SF86, please submit a written request to access these records. Your request must include a statement specifying what information you are seeking, your full name, social security number, date of birth, place of birth, mailing address, and your handwritten signature. Please send your request to: OPM-FIS, Attn: FOI/PA, P.O. Box 618, Boyers, PA 16018. Alternatively, you may fax your request to 724-794-4590; however, we caution that this is not a secure line. We process requests on a first-in, first-out basis. We generally send the responsive documents via certified, restricted mail, though if you are only seeking your SF86, we can send it to you via email. If you have any questions regarding this response, please contact the Freedom of Information Privacy Act Branch at 724-794-5612, extenstion 7000.

You can only view active applications that you are currently filling out. Once you have certified and released, you may no longer view them.

Yes, all users are required to change the Golden Questions from the default questions to their own personal questions and answers. This is to protect your personal data from unauthorized disclosure. Your personal golden questions and answers should be unique and personally specific to you, but cannot be easily guessed by others.

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.

Agencies are responsible for ensuring that applicants selected for positions are suitable for Federal employment. While it is more practical and cost-effective to initiate a complete suitability investigation after an individual is selected and has accepted a job offer, agencies may choose to begin preliminary suitability determinations for all applicants at any time during the hiring process.

Click the "SAVE" button at the bottom of the page to save your data. Then click the "Log-out" button at the top right-hand side of the screen to exit the system.

Adjudications officials at the agency requiring the investigation will evaluate your case and communicate their recommendation to the appropriate personnel or security office.