1. Personnel Security Investigation Portal (PSIP): Update and Discussion
Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA)
Dated: August 2014

2. What are Personnel Security Investigations (PSI)?
An investigation required for the purpose of:
determining suitability for Federal employment
determining eligibility for access to classified information or assignment to sensitive duties
obtaining a security clearance
IT access
All permanent Army civilian positions require some level of investigation based on the position sensitivity designation (and risk level)
SF85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions)
SF-85P (Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions)
SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)
What are Personnel Security Investigations (PSI)?
All DoD civilian employees are required to undergo some sort of background check. There are different levels of investigations. The type of investigation required depends on the position sensitivity. Positions that require handling or viewing of secret documents would require a different level of investigation then a position that only handles routine information.
For us in the HR world, we tend to be familiar and make reference to the SF-85, SF-85P and SF-86. These are the forms used to request investigations and which the tentative selectee completes. The SF-85 is the Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions, the SF-85P is the Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions and the SF-86 is the Questionnaire for National Security Positions. Generally speaking, if the position does not require a security clearance then the SF-85 is used. If the position does require a security clearance, the SF-86 is used. Child care positions require the SF-85P.
Position Sensitivity:
Code 1 – Non-sensitive – Investigation required (NACI)
Code 2 – Noncriticial-sensitive - Investigation required (ANACI/NACLC)
Code 3 – Critical-sensitive - Investigation required (SSBI/SSBI-PR)
Code 4 – Special-sensitive- Investigation required (SSBI/SSBI-PR)

3. What is PSIP? Personnel Security Investigation Portal (PSIP)
The automated starting point for requesting personnel security investigations (PSI)
Work order for requesting an investigation
Note: PSIP Requestor Guide at:

4. Coverage & Exclusions PSIP applies to APF and NAF
Does not apply to the following unless computer access or access to multiple locations is required for the following:
Summer hire positions
Positions NTE 120 days
Army security regulation AR specifies 120 days versus 180 days stated in 5 CFR ©

5. PSI Requests: Before PSIP
Processes differ CPAC by CPAC
At some locations, the security office (SO) processes all personnel security investigations with little CPAC involvement
At other locations, the CPACs process the SF-85/85P and Security Office (SO) processed the SF-86
In some cases, the CPAC processes all personnel security investigations, the SF-85, SF-85P and SF-86

6. Command Security Office Center of Excellence (CoE)
Main Players
Manager/Commander
Local Security Office
Command Security Office
CPAC
Center of Excellence (CoE)

7. PSIP: Role of the Local Security Office
PSIP does not change the authority of the local or command security offices
Local SO still responsible for waiver and interim security approval process
The only change is that the CoE now processes the PSI request
CoE will provide the CPAC/SO (requester/alternate requester) with a copy of the completed SF-8X (usually within 9 days of PSIP submission)

8. Role of the Center of Excellence (CoE)
Process all PSI requests submitted by CPACs and SOs
Works directly with the tentative selectee (subject):
Contacts the tentative selectee to start the SF-8X process
Reviews the selectee’s SF-8X for errors and completeness
Provides guidance to the selectee on any matter pertaining to the SF-8X
Establishes a deadline for employees with escalations that include supervisor and Requester/Alternate Requester)
calendar day escalation notices

9. Role of the Center of Excellence (CoE) Cont.
Provides assistance to the CPAC and SO
Answers and resolves PSIP login problems
PSIP Case Management
Provides the CPAC/SO with a copy of the completed SF-8X (usually within 9 days of PSIP submission)
Submits the completed SF-8X and fingerprints to OPM
Contact the CoE directly with any PSIP related issue to include:
--PSIP login problems
--PSIP user id and/or password not working (or forgot)
--Check the status of your PSIP request
--Problem with your PSIP request?
CoE Telephone number: , DSN 298

10. Role of the CPAC Submit PSIP requests for new hire
Assist the CoE in escalation situations
Suitability processing and adjudication where applicable
Create and maintain suitability files
Suitability applies to the SF-85/85P only – not the SF-86 (security clearances)
At some locations the local or command SOs make suitability determinations. Examples are USACE, Depots, and MTFs .

11. Sensitive (SF-86) vs. Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85/85P)
Important differences:
Non-sensitive positions do not require a security clearance
Non-sensitive positions generally only require a NACI and a suitability determination
Non-sensitive positions generally do not require an interim from your local SO
Note: Practices and/or guidance on this topic may differ at the installation level. If there is a conflict or disagreement, local security office guidance applies
CPACs make the interim suitability determinations based on OF 306, FBI finger print check, and completed SF 8X form. If the local or command SO makes suitability determinations, then it depends on the local agreement on who makes the interim determination. The interim MUST be made prior to EOD per DoDI , Volume 731, Encl 3, para 4b-c.

12. PSIP Overview: Process Flow
Requester (CPAC or SO) submits PSIP Request
Center of Excellence (CoE)
Tentative Selectee (also known as the Subject)
OPM*
Who is requester?
Center of Excellence (CoE)
Requester
Alternate Requester
* The CoE cannot submit to OPM until fingerprints are received

13. Investigative Results
OPM
Suitability (SF-85/85P)
Security
Clearances (SF-86)
OPM conducts an investigation and sends the results to:
OPM conducts an investigation and sends the results to:
DoD CAF or CPAC or SO
Where the investigations end up for adjudication depends on the following:
If CPAC or SO has access to CATS and the required BI
The all the conditions are met in #1, then the investigations go to the DoD CAF, who makes only favorable determinations. Those cases the CAF cannot favorably adjudicate are sent back to the component for adjudication (CPAC or SO). The component adjudicator depends on who currently makes suitability determinations at that location.
If the CPAC or SO does not meet the requirements in #1, then they cases go back to the CPAC or SO for adjudication and not the CAF.
Access to CATS is the key to be able to receive the cases the CAF cannot favorable adjudicate and to view the information on the cases the CAF has adjudicated. Without that access the CPAC cannot do its job. The SOI used in this situation for PSIP requests should be the SOI of the CPAC or SO, whichever is applicable for the location.
The CPACs also need to meet the training requirements of the on line and classroom training.
Central Clearance Facility (CCF)
Security Office

14. PSIP Overview for SF-85 or SF-85P
CPAC receives tentative selection
CPAC makes tentative offer and requests selectee to complete OF 306 and finger prints
If derogatory information on 306 and/or FBI finger print check, pass to MER for review
If no derogatory extend firm job offer; otherwise wait for MER
OF 306 must and finger prints MUST be completed by the tentative selectee before making a firm job offer and submitting the PSIP request. Once the selectee has completed the appropriate form and it has been reviewed and compared to the OF 306, then the EOD can be set.
Submit PSIP Request (see next slide)

15. PSIP Overview for SF-85 or 85P (cont)
CPAC (and alternate req) receives copy of completed SF-85/85P from the CoE
CPAC Complete and Submit PSIP request
Selectee completes appropriate form (SF8X)
CPAC reviews for derog info,
The PSIP request should be submitted at least 14 days before the EOD, HOWEVER:
● The PSIP request should be submitted no earlier then 18 calendar days from the date fingerprints will be completed (if more than 18 days, must notify CoE of status and when fingerprints will be completed) – may result in termination of your PSIP request
If no derog set EOD. If derog send to MER for review

16. PSIP Overview: SF-86 CPAC receives tentative selection CPAC
works with tentative selectee to complete OF 306 and finger prints
Submit PSIP request
CoE s CPAC/alt req a copy of the employee completed SF-86
● OPTIONAL STEP: Check with your local security office to determine if the selectee already has a PSI. Coordinate this step with your local security office.
● OF 306 and finger prints must be completed by the tentative selectee before submitting the PSIP request.
● CoE will provide the requester and alternate a copy of the completed SF-86 usually within 9 calendar days of PSIP request submission.
Local/Command security office provides CPAC with waiver to allow EOD to be set

17. Impact of PSIP
Does not change CPAC procedure or guidance on establishing effective dates
CPAC still determines when effective date is established based on CHRA, Regional or local requirements
Does require OF 306 and finger prints to be completed by the selectee before firm job offer is extended
OF 306 is required in order to submit the PSIP request and to make an initial suitability determination
Finger prints are required for the FBI finger print check
FBI finger print results MUST be back and reviewed prior to firm job offer being issued.

18. PSIP Account Registration and Approval Procedures
To register go to the PSIP web site:
PSIP Requestor Guide for registration procedures is on the CHRA GPS at:
New users must first register and build their profile at the PSIP web site before requesting account approval
Note: If you forget your password or have login problems (once your account is approved), please contact the Center of Excellence call center at (410) /DSN for assistance.

19. PSIP Account Registration and Approval Procedures Cont.
Disabled accounts
Existing PSIP account but have not used it within the past 30 days
Log in at least once every 30 days even if you do not need to use it or
Contact one of the CHRA HQ POCs to have them re-approve your account.

20. PSIP Logon Procedures (continued)
After initial registration, additional screens will not be available until registration is approved by the PSI-CoE
Once approval is requested to the POCs below, account approval takes about 1-2 work days
APF:
NAF:
The PSI-CoE verifies the individual requesting access has the appropriate investigation completed in CATS/JPAS.

21. PSIP Users Each CPAC must identify their PSIP users
No limit to number of users
CPAC PSIP users must have at least a NACI
For local nationals, since they do not undergo the same background checks that US employees do, the CPAC Chief can recommend approval
Include a statement in the request for account approval that the CPAC Chief recommends approval

22. Who Submits the PSIP Request – CPAC or SO?
CPAC has primary responsibility for submitting new hire PSIP requests
Either the CPAC or SO has the capability to submit PSIP Requests
Must register in PSIP and have PSIP accounts approved by the PSI-CoE
SO may submit PSIP requests as coordinated with the CPAC
SO submits PSIP requests for periodic reinvestigations for clearances.
CPAC submits period reinvestigations for CYSS and SHARP positions.

23. When Does a PSIP Request Have to be Initiated?
When there is a personnel action and the selectee needs a personnel security investigation
New hire action
Promotion or reassignment to a position that requires a higher PSI
A personnel action moving the employee into a different position that requires a higher PSI
Case situation: Simon applies for a promotion and is selected. The new job requires a security clearance. Simon only has a NACI and no security clearance. Since the position requires a secret clearance, Simon must complete the SF-86. The CPAC should initiate a PSIP request for a SF-86 (secret clearance).

24. When a PSIP Request Does NOT Have to be Initiated
Not all recruit actions require a PSIP request
If the selectee already has the required personnel security investigation or if for non-sensitive or public trust, a favorable suitability adjudication, there is no need to submit a PSIP request
How do you know if the tentative selectee already has the appropriate PSI?
Answer 1: Contact your local security office and they can check JPAS for you. JPAS is a security system that maintains security data for all active military, reservists, civilian employees and contractors.
Answer 2: Submit the PSIP request and the CoE will let you know by if a PSI is not required.
Answer 3: This answer only applies to a favorable suitability adjudication - if not documented in JPAS, certificate of investigation should be in OPF. This generally applies to NACIs processed over or more years ago.

25. Setting the EOD for Non-sensitive Positions
Non-Sensitive Positions - minimum standard:
OF 306 completed by the tentative selectee and reviewed for derogatory information;
FBI finger print check returned and reviewed for derogatory information; and
Completed SF-85X, reviewed before setting EOD
Compare to OF 306 for discrepancies
Firm offer made prior to PSIP request

26. Setting the EOD for Sensitive Positions
OF 306 completed by the tentative selectee and reviewed for derogatory information; and
PSIP submitted; and
Interim from local security office; and
Follow any local policies, regional and CHRA guidance in effect

27. Fingerprints
A Personnel Security Investigation cannot be submitted to OPM without fingerprints
No Fingerprints, No Investigation
Use digital fingerprints when possible
Fedex’ing not required
When do fingerprints have to be submitted?

28. Fingerprints: Mailing Address
When only hardcopy fingerprints are possible, send them to PSI-CoE at:
Mailing fingerprints to the PSI-CoE:
ATTN: Fingerprint Team
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
PSI Center of Excellence
Bldg 3240 Raritan Ave
Aberdeen Proving Ground MD

29. PSIP: SOI Block Non-sensitive positions (SF-85/85P):
Use CPAC or SO SOI if they do not have access to the CATS portal
SOIs for DoD CAF are below if the CPAC/SO has access to CATS portal
DODS for suitability
DODH for HSPD-12 determinations
Sensitive positions (SF-86):
For positions that require a security clearance, the CoE will ensure that the correct SOI (A334-CCF) is submitted to OPM.
Access to the CATS portal is vital in order to view, receive, and input adjudications into CATS. CATS is the DoD portal used to track investigations, send and receive information form the DoD CAF, and to retrieve and input data for adjudications.
DoD CAF send those suitability investigations back to the component adjudicators (CPACs or SOs) if they cannot make a favorable determination. Therefore, if the CPAC does not have the required BI or a TS and does not have access to CATS, then the investigations need to be sent back to the CPAC or SO for adjudication.
If the DoD CAF is used the CPAC MUST make sure the CPAC UIC is on the PSIP request in order to receive information from the CAF in CATS.

30. Final Results from OPM: SF-85/85P
SF-85/85P Final Results from OPM
Results are documented in the CATS portal if CPAC has that access
If still receiving hard copy investigations from OPM
INV 79 A is completed and sent back to OPM
COI is signed and filed in the eOPF record
Only if favorable suitability determination is made

31. Final Results from OPM: SF-86
SF-86 Results:
CPAC only involved if the employee was not able to obtain a security clearance

32. PSIP References
CHRA GPS web site at:
Important References:
DoDI , Volume 731
PSI-CoE Requestor Guide

33. QUESTIONS???