1

Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation

Processing (e-QIP)

JSAC Workshop

April 2008

June E. Martin

Raytheon

2

Electronic Questionnaire for

Investigation Processing (e-QIP)

JSAC Workshop

Acknowledgement

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

DSS Customer Service Center

3

What is eQIP

e-QIP is a secure website designed to process and

store all personnel investigative forms for DoD

DoD is currently only using e-QIP for processing the

SF-86,“Questionnaire for National Security Positions”

The e-QIP system has been utilized and maintained

by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for

several years.

e-QIP has replaced the EPSQ system effective July 7,

2005

4

eQIP Functionality

e-QIP can be done from anywhere with any

computer that can access the Internet

e-QIP electronically allows Applicants to enter,

update, and release their personal investigative data

over a secure Internet connection to their

sponsoring agency for review, approval, and

submission to investigation provider

5

JPAS and e-QIP

JPAS and e-QIP is currently used by the

Department of Defense and Industry

6

JPAS/e-QIP Requirements

After a JPAS User has been granted authorization, the

“Investigation Request” hyperlink will become activated

Before a JPAS User can initiate a request, they must

have an Owning or Servicing relationship with the

Applicant

Once an Investigation Request has been initiated, the

Requesting SMO will continuously receive notifications

(via JPAS) as to the status of the request throughout the

entire e-QIP process

7

Initiation Process

To initiate request, click on “Investigation Request”

hyperlink - located below the “In/Out Process” hyperlink

If the “Investigation Request” link is NOT there:

Ensure the “Correct” Person Category is being displayed

Ensure you have a relationship with the person

Check “Investigation Summary” section for an active

investigation request

Ensure the person has “DoD Contractor Companies”

displayed in the “Service/Agency” of the Add/Modify screen

8

Initiation Process

9

Determine Investigation Scope

10

Determine Investigation Scope (Continued)

11

Determine Investigation Scope (Continued)

12

Initiation Process

“Add/Modify Investigation Request” screen

“Additional Scope Information”

Form Type = SF86 (auto populated)

Date of Birth = Automatically Populated

Access Codes: click on drop-down box and select

Investigation Type.

Top Secret

Secret

Confidential

Sensitivity ADP = Leave Blank

(Continued)

13

Additional Request Information

14

Additional Request Information (Continued)

15

Initiation Process

“Additional Request Information”

“Requesting Official” section (Contact for Investigation Info)

Requester’s Name

Requester’s Phone

Requester’s Job Title

Requester’s Extension

“Security Folder” section (location of Applicant’s Security folder)

Location Options (Industry’s only option is “Other”)

None

SOI (Submitting Office Identifier)

NPI (No Pertinent Information)

Other (must enter location name, address, city, state and zip)

(State & zip must match)

(Continued)

16

Initiation Process

“Official Personnel Folder” (location of Applicant’s Personnel folder)

Location Options (Industry’s only option is “Other”)

None

NPRC (National Personnel Records Center)

SON (Submitting Office Number)

Other (must enter location name, address, city, state and zip)

Click “Initiate” to submit request

Check JPAS Notifications for “Initiated” request

Applicant Notification

Provide Applicant with “eQIP Instruction” sheet

(Continued)

17

Initiation Process

Applicant has 30 days from the date when the Investigation Request

was initiated to “start” the PSQ or the Investigation Request is

terminated

Applicant has 90 days from the date when the Investigation Request

was initiated to “submit” the PSQ or the Investigation Request is

terminated

If the Requesting SMO places the investigation request in “Pending

PSI” status, the time limits do not start until the “Initiate PSI” button

is activated

Suggestion: Once Applicant completes PSQ, but before he/she “certifies”

PSQ, have them bring in a hard copy of their PSQ, for your review.

(Continued)

18

Initiation Process

Suggestion: Once you’ve notified Applicant of any changes

or if there are no required changes - make a “signoff”

appointment with Applicant to come to your office

Once all changes have been made:

Print out releases (has eQIP number) and have Applicant

sign (Mandatory)

Print copy of the Archived PSQ (Completed PSQ)

Have Applicant “Certify” and submit PSQ via web

File copy of certified (Archived) PSQ in personnel folder

until investigation is completed. (No longer required)

Send signed releases to:

(Continued)

eQIP Rapid Response Team

OPM-FIPC

PO Box 618

Boyers, PA 16020

19

Initiation Process

A hyper link will appear in the Person Summary screen under

the “Investigation Summary” section when an investigation

request has been submitted on a person

Investigation Summary: Investigation Request of SSBI, Initiated

PSI on 2006 04 12

To see this hyper link: You must have a relationship

with the person, either owning or servicing

You must have the “Request Investigation” privilege

activated

Only authorized User within the requesting SMO will see the

status of the Investigation Request via Notifications

(Continued)

20

Initiation Process

The requesting SMO can “Stop” the Investigation Request”

at any time prior to the Applicant certifying and transmitting

the PSQ to DISCO

Investigation Summary: Investigation Request of SSBI,

Initiated PSI (Stopped) on 2006 04 12

Once the requesting SMO “stops” the investigation request,

they would have to “initiate” a new request if needed

(Continued)

21

Ready-for-Review Process

Requesting SMO initiates the Personal Security Investigation (PSI) request

Applicant completes the Personnel Security Questionnaire (PSQ), releases

back to the SMO to review. Requesting SMO receives “Ready-for-Review”

notification

123-45-6789 Doe, John A. IndustrySSBI Ready for Review 2006 03 02

You will review, reject or approve and release to DISCO.

Upon approval at DISCO, Requesting SMO receives “Ready-for-Review”

notification

123-45-6789 Doe, John A. IndustrySSBI Ready for Review 2006 03 02

DISCO reviews completed PSQ

DISCO must either “Approve” or “Stop” request

Initiate Generate Review Approve Release

22

DISCO Approval Process

If NO discrepancies are noted, DISCO “approves” request

and forwards “Investigation Request” to e-QIP

Once the “Investigation Request” is received by e-QIP, the

requesting SMO receives an “Approved” notification

e-QIP sends the “Investigation Request” to PIPS to notify

OPM to open an investigation

23

DISCO Stop Process

If discrepancies are noted during the “Ready-for-Review”

process, DISCO “stops” the Investigation Request

Requesting SMO receives a “Ready-for-Review (Stopped)”

notification

DISCO notifies requesting SMO of discrepancies via

“Message from CAF” notification

1. If stopped SMO must initiate a new request allowing

Subject to make corrections and release back to DISCO.

2. New Release forms will have to be submitted to OPM.

24

Released Process

Once the Investigation Request arrives at OPM, their internal

system “PIPS” notifies eQIP that the request was successfully

received

Once the request is successfully loaded into PIPS, the request

is automatically “terminated” (Just the request is terminated)

eQIP notifies JPAS that the Investigation Request was

“released” into PIPS

The requesting SMO receives a “Released” notification via

JPAS (Investigation loaded to PIPS, assigned to Investigator)

25

Problem Checklist (Continued)

Releases not dated, signed or legible. Full name on releases

must match that on SF86. If not file will be rejected.

DOB or POB discrepancy between Finger Print Card (FPC)

and SF86.

Missing middle name on FPC (Must match SF86). Indicate

“NMN”, if there is no middle name. Indicate “IO” if Initial

only.

Missing City, State and Zip. This is required for ALL

residence and employment addresses.

The lack of SSNs and POBs for cohabitants on SSBI

requests. Listed as adult currently living in household.

Employment and residence gaps (see instructions at

www.dss.mil for specifics).

26

Lack of separation date and residence of spouse in case of

separation or divorce.

Missing marital status of previous spouse. If unknown,

indicate.

Missing debt clarification; indicate if still outstanding.

Remarks in comments action taken to resolve debt.

Subject’s certification of accuracy of EPSQ must be within

180 days.

SEE www.dss.mil FOR MORE DETAILS

Problem Checklist (Continued)

27

Problem Checklist

(Continued)

Once you have initiated a clearance request in JPAS and the

subject is unable to log into e-QIP due to incorrect data in JPAS,

you must call the DSS Customer Help Desk and request the

changes made in JPAS be updated in e-QIP. If DSS is not

notified of the changes, the Subject will not be able to access e-

QIP.

NOTE: This is not an automatic process.

If Subject releases his/her e-QIP file before printing off

archival file of PSQ and three signature forms, you may request

release forms be faxed to you by DSS Customer Service.

Subject will have to request a copy of his/her PSQ form

which will be mailed directly to his/her home address.

28

FAQ

1. Can I access e-QIP with my personal computer at home? If so, do I need a special internet browser?

Yes, you can use your personal computer - at home or at the office! e-QIP is designed to be accessible from any

computer, anywhere in the world. The only requirement is that you use an internet browser capable of 128-bit

encryption.

2. What is the process for completing my SF-86 using e-QIP?

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 entitle, “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 Your Data” link from the main menu. After a final review of your date,

select the “Certify/Submit” 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.”

3. Do I have to change my golden questions?

To protect your personal data from unauthorized disclosure it is highly recommended that you change your

golden questions/answers to items that are unique and personally specific to you, but could not easily be guessed

by others.

29

FAQ

4. I cannot login to e-QIP. What should I do?

After verifying all system requirements listed in the e-QIP brochure, contact your sponsoring agency to

verify that you currently have an active request in the e-QIP system.

5. When I try to login, e-QIP displays golden questions that I have never created, or that I don’t know the answer to. What

should I do?

If you are getting “bogus” Golden Questions that you do not recognize or do not know the answer to, please contact

your sponsoring agency to verify that you currently have an active request in the system or to request that your

Golden questions be re-set to the default values.

6. I have just logged in and haven’t entered any data. I don’t know where to start from the Main Menu. What do I do?

Click on the link entitled “Enter Your Data” to begin entering your personal data.

7. What does the “Submit” button do?

The “Submit” button saves any data that you have entered on the current screen.

8. What does the Reset button do?

The Reset button clears (removes) any new data recently entered on a screen that has not been previously

saved.

9. Do I have to go through the form question by question, in numerical order?

No. You may skip ahead or go back to any question number by selecting the desired question from the

Navigation Bar located at the top right-hand side of the screen. This opens a drop down menu that contains all the

sections of the form. Simply select the desired question and press the “Go” button to proceed to selected section.

30

FAQ

10. Is there a way to tell which questions I have finished?

Yes. At any time you can go to the Navigation Bar at the top of the screen an select the “Validate, Certify, and

Release” link. The system will then display all remaining errors that must be satisfied before you can submit the form.

11. Where do I get help for completing a specific question?

Click the “Help” link located upper left hand corner of each page for additional instructions on completing

specific questions.

12. What’s the difference between an “Error” and a “Warning” when validating my data?

A “Warning” message alerts you to a potential problem with your data which may require additional

explanation. An “Error” must be corrected prior to certifying your completed form.

13. When should I validate my data?

You can validate your data at any time while you are entering/editing data; however every applicant is

required to validate their data on the final screen before they are able to certify their form.

14. Can I certify my form with errors?

No, all “Error” and “Warning” messages must be sufficiently satisfied before you can certify and release your

e-QIP request.

15. Should I do anything before I certify my data?

After your data has passed validation you should click on the “Display” link in the upper left hand corner of

the screen to verify your data and to ensure that your answers are complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Then select “Validate, Certify, and Release” from the Navigation Bar in the top right-hand side of the screen and follow the

additional instructions. After certifying your data, you will not be able to edit your form.

31

FAQ

16. I have completed this form in the past. Why doesn’t this system have that data?

e-QIP can only retrieve data previously entered into the e-QIP system. Data from previously completed paper

forms or data from other automated systems has not been loaded into this system.

17. I’ve only entered a little data, but I have to go to a meeting. What should I do?

Click the “SAVE” button at the bottom of the page to save your data. Then click the “Log-out” button at the

top of the screen to exit the system.

18. I don’t have a suffix on my name. What do I do?

Leave the suffix field blank.

19. I don’t have a first or middle name. What do I do?

Check the NFN (no first name) or NMN (no middle name) box.

20. I’m not sure of a date. What do I do?

Estimate the date (month and year) to the best of your ability and check the “EST” checkbox, indicating that

this is an estimated date.

21. I have a validation error that says that a date has to be after another date. What does this mean?

Many questions involving dates are validated against the birth date entered in question 2.

Most date fields pertaining to the applicant (not relatives) must be after the applicant’s birth date.

22. I am 6 feet tall. I entered 6 feet, but I got an error message telling me to enter inches. What do I do?

Select 0 (zero) for inches and submit.

32

FAQ

23. I’ve entered as much information as I think I can for questions 9 and 11, but I still get errors. Why?

To correctly complete an e-QIP request you cannot have gaps between your dates. Validation is based on data

entered and any time lapse between the end date of one record and the start date of the next record will prompt and error

message. You must indicate all period of self-employment, unemployment, or vacation as appropriate. Please provide as

complete a set of data as possible. Depending on the type of investigation you will receive, you may be required to provide

10 years of data for some questions. An error message will indicate if this is the case.

24. On question 9, I get an error message about needing a record with “Present”. What does this mean?

Question 9 requires one record to have an end date for which you have checked the Present box, indicating

your current residence.

25. I have to enter a foreign address. What do I do for zip code?

If there is a postal code associated with the foreign address, enter it in the comment field.

26. I hit the Back button and something strange happened. What’s wrong?

As a general rule, do not use your browser’s Back button for navigation within the applicant section of e-QIP.

Use the question navigation buttons or the buttons at the bottom of the screen instead.

27. I have more than 3 degrees to enter in question 10. What do I do?

Enter three, click Submit. The system will then display additional lines for you to add additional degrees.

33

FAQ

28. Can I see if I am qualified for a security clearance even if I am not a Federal employee?

No. It is not possible to "pre-apply" for a security clearance. Not all Federal employees/contractors have

security clearances. Individuals who are tentatively selected for government jobs (or as Federal contractors) will be

investigated as appropriate. If access to National Security Information is required, you will need to complete a security

questionnaire and an investigation will be conducted. If the investigation results are favorable, a security clearance will be

granted if appropriate.