National Background Investigation Services(NBIS) (2024)

NBIS is working to build out multiple delivery methods to meet our customer’s needs for delivery through the system as well as delivery to external systems. These mechanisms are still in development but are expected to be configurable for each agency based on their preferences and agreements with DCSA.

  • Agency Delivery: Similar to NP2, NBIS will be able to deliver case files to on boarded agencies directly inside NBIS. Through this mechanism, authorized agency users will be able to access and download their case files as well as take appropriate actions based on the product.

  • Shared Service Delivery: For customers that are on boarded to an NBIS shared service, NBIS will be able to deliver cases directly to the on boarded shared service. This model allows for direct use of the case product being delivered as a part of the use of the shared service. For example, if agencies that use NBIS for adjudications services will receive investigations as an incoming adjudication case.

  • System Delivery: For customers that do not elect to receive their cases inside the system, NBIS is intending to use the DISA SFG for delivery of case files to external case management systems. This effort should reduce the need for customer agencies to use proprietary tools as part of the process of receiving case files from NBIS.

Investigative Products and Configurations

  • Case products are being managed as configurable items inside the NBIS system by DCSA. As configurable components, NBIS expects certain aspects of the case will change as the mission’s need changes. The configurable components include the content of the PDF as well as which documents from the subject, agency, and data provider are provided in the deliverable.

  • NBIS will be providing updated information on the case products that NBIS generates that will further specify the XML schema, including data elements associated with NBIS products as well as information around how NBIS is packaging case products for delivery through SFG.

  • For each on boarded organization, NBIS will track which delivery process should be utilized from the available methods. The desired delivery method may differ for each service being provided.

For additional information, including SFG Onboarding Guide and FAQ for System Transition, please visit the NP2 Portal.

NBIS supports end-to-end personnel vetting process, from initiation and application to investigation, adjudication, subject management, and monitoring.

One Consolidated System

NBIS will replace a suite of legacy background investigation and case management IT systems from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), including Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT), Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS), Defense Information Security System (DISS), Position Designation Tool (PDT), Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS), and more. With one consolidated system, security managers, investigators, and adjudicators will be able to access case status throughout the lifecycle of a background investigation, enhancing capacity and creating synergies from easier data validation.

The Future of Personnel Vetting

NBIS is the foundation for future technology and policy requirements. As the federal government looks to reform and modernize its personnel vetting processes with Trusted Workforce 2.0 policy changes, NBIS will play an integral part. The system will leverage technology to improve delivery and capabilities. Notably, it will functionalize innovations, such as Continuous Vetting, as DCSA moves from periodic reinvestigations to real-time automated record checks, immediately alerting investigators to real-time concerns.

Heightened Security

NBIS will use cutting-edge technologies to safeguard the system, employing the same security controls used to protect warfighter communication systems. End-to-end data encryption and multiple layers of security will better segment data so that — in the event of an adversary attack or data spill — it will contain the spill and limit the impact.

Continuous Improvement

NBIS is leveraging proven Agile and DevSecOps pipeline approaches to software development. By facilitating fast, collaborative, incremental technology releases, these proven methodologies alleviate the need for broad system overhauls and will speed delivery, improve functionality, deliver customizable solutions, and enhance security. In this approach, NBIS users will be able to provide feedback to inform requirement generation and lead to continuous implementation and improvement.

Increasing Speed and Efficiency

New features such as e-Adjudication (automatically adjudicating background investigations with no substantive information of concern) and mass initiation (allowing users to request investigations for multiple similar subjects at once) will greatly expedite the investigation process. Security managers will also be able to tag cases and develop refined metrics to meet reporting needs. Thirty-two agencies are now using e-Adjudication.

Expanding Transparency and User Experience

The new subject portal, e-App, will allow subjects to track their individual case status. The application itself will be easier to use and provide better information for vetting professionals. Subjects will have the ability to save their application more easily.

National Background Investigation Services(NBIS) (2024)

FAQs

How long does NBIS clearance take? ›

How long does the security clearance process take? The security clearance process takes an average of three to four months to complete but can take up to a full year to complete depending on your background.

What is the questionnaire for the National background investigation Services? ›

The form used for any national security investigation is the SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions).

What does NBIS check? ›

NBIS will: Collect and validate submitted information, including previous investigations. Process fingerprints and biometric data. Integrate case management with automated workflow, including continuous evaluation.

Is e-qip the same as nbis? ›

NBIS eApp (electronic application) and NBIS Agency are the new entry points for background investigation applications and are replacing eQIP as the system for initiating investigations.

What will disqualify you from a security clearance? ›

What can disqualify you?
  • You are not a U.S. citizen.
  • You were dishonorably discharged from the military.
  • You are currently involved in illegal drug use.
  • You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
  • You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.

Why is my clearance taking so long? ›

Factors That Impact Security Clearance Timelines

In some cases, security clearances take longer because there's a mistake or there's missing information on the application. With these, the initial paperwork may require revisions, and resubmission or supporting documentation might be required.

What does the NSA look for in a background check? ›

Security clearance information

This security clearance requires a thorough personnel security background investigation that examines your life history, character, trustworthiness, reliability and sound judgment.

What questions do background investigators ask you? ›

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
  • Have you ever been fired or asked to resign in lieu of termination? ...
  • Have you ever quit a job without giving proper notice to your employer?
  • Yes No. ...
  • Have you ever failed to complete a probationary period for any job? ...
  • Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment, discrimination, or hostile work. ...
  • Yes No.

What does CIA background check look at? ›

During the background investigation, we interview neighbors, friends, supervisors, and co-workers to evaluate your character, trustworthiness, and loyalty to the United States. We also look into any conflicts of interest or potential for coercion, as well as your ability to protect sensitive information.

How far back does a secret clearance go? ›

Security Clearance Adjudicative Process

The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.

How long does a Tier 3 investigation take? ›

The current average OPM processing time for a Tier 3/5 investigation from submission to being closed complete is 163 days for a Tier 3 and 383 days for a Tier 5. Security clearances are not transferrable across agencies.

Is e-QIP no longer used? ›

On October 1, 2023, NBIS eApp will replace the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system for completing and processing investigative forms (SF85, SF85P, SF85PS, and SF86). After October 1, 2023, e-QIP will no longer be accessible.

How can I check my security clearance status online? ›

You can check your security clearance status using several online portals. The Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) and the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) are primary portals. By accessing JPAS or DISS, you will see your current status, clearance level, and expiration date.

What type of clearance is e-QIP? ›

The Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP), one of the many steps in CBP's hiring process, is the federal government's digital portal used to gather information to conduct background investigations.

How long does it usually take to get a security clearance? ›

Below are approximate timelines for the clearance process: 1-2 months for a new Secret (interim) clearance. 6-8 months for a new Top Secret (TS) clearance. 8-15 months for a new Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)

How do I expedite a security clearance? ›

Can an application be expedited? Usually it is not possible to expedite the adjudication of a security clearance, however my office can contact the appropriate agency on your behalf to ensure that progress on the application continues. What are my options is my clearance is denied?

How do I know when my security clearance is granted? ›

Clearance/Adjudication Status:

Contact your Security Officer with questions about the status of your security clearance or adjudication of your investigation. The agency that requested your background investigation handles adjudicating your completed background investigation and granting your security clearance.

Who has the highest security clearance in the USA? ›

While many federal and military personnel hold high security clearances, the President uniquely stands out due to the unrestricted access granted by the presidential office.

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