The Investigation Process

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requires individuals seeking admission to the federal government to undergo an investigation to establish their suitability for employment. OPM has determined that varying levels of investigation are appropriate, depending on the responsibilities of the position. The Personnel Security and ID Office (PSIO) ensures that all persons appointed to positions on SI rolls are subject to background investigations and are suitable for employment with SI and the federal government and whether their employment might in some way pose a threat to the Institution. These determinations are based upon information obtained from background investigations.

SI requires that prescreening and post-appointment background investigations be completed on all persons appointed to high, moderate, and low risk positions within the SI.

The PSIO receives the completed security forms from an SI employee via e-QIP and reviews the forms for accuracy and completeness. Once approved, the security forms are submitted to OPM for investigation handling.

Once the completed investigation is received by PSIO, it is assigned to a Personnel Security Specialist for adjudication. The specialist evaluates the information and conducts supplemental investigations or interviews when necessary. A recommendation is rendered to grant or deny a favorable suitability determination. PSIO notifies the coordinating office of its recommendation. The coordinating office reviews and works in conjunction with PSIO to render a final decision.

For favorable adjudications, the PSIO notifies OHR or the appropriate coordinating office.

You may request a copy of your investigation under the provisions of the Privacy Act. All requests must be made directly to OPM. To request a copy of your background investigation, write to:

You must include your full name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, and you must sign the request.

Calls regarding verification of an investigator’s status and complaints regarding investigator conduct should be directed to 1-888-795-5673.

• Select OPTION 1 to verify the identity of an agent
• Select OPTION 2 for complaints concerning an agent 

This number is manned 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST. For after-duty hours, holidays, and weekends, the requestor can leave a message and someone will contact them on the first business day following the call. This verification and complaint line covers both federal and contractor investigators. Alternatively, you may address email inquiries to fisdsstf@opm.gov.