Suitability Adjudications

Vetting is the process by which individuals undergo investigation, evaluation, and adjudication of whether they are suitable or fit, eligible to occupy a sensitive position or access classified information, and/or eligible for a personal identity verification credential.

• At the beginning of the process, the agency determines what type of investigation the position will require. This is called position designation.
• Next, after an individual applies and usually after they are given a conditional job offer, the agency may screen the information provided (i.e., resume, OF 306, pre-employment reference checks, etc.) to determine if there are any issues that may be best addressed with the individual at this point in the process.
• After screening is complete, the agency will determine if the individual needs an investigation. In some cases, such as if the individual previously worked for the government or was in the military, they may not need a new investigation. If an investigation is needed, the agency will request the individual complete the investigative questionnaire. In most cases this is done via the e-QIP (electronic questionnaires for investigation processing) system. The types of questions the individual is required to answer are determined by the type of investigation required, and may consist of information on employers, education history, criminal record, creditors, residences, or family members.
• Once the individual completes the e-QIP and returns it to the agency, the agency will screen it for completeness before releasing it to the agency that conducts the background investigation (referred to as the investigative service provider or ISP). The ISP schedules the investigation, and appropriate sources are contacted. These sources may include police departments, schools an individual has attended, or places an individual has worked. An individual may also be contacted by an investigator for a personal interview during which they may be asked to review the answers provided on their investigative form or to explain information developed by investigation.
• Once the investigation is completed, the results are provided to the requesting agency to make an adjudicative determination. The type of determination(s) needed is determined by the job the individual applied to or holds. The agency will notify the individual if a favorable determination is made, and if not yet entered on duty, will provide an enter on duty date.
• Many positions require individuals to undergo reinvestigations or be subject to continuous vetting checks. The employing agency will explain what is required for the job.