Background checks and the shutdown

[AughtaRotate]

So this is a two-parter. Firstly, I vaguely remember reading somewhere recently on here that background checks for OCS are farmed out to a government contractor, but a friend says that something like that would be handled by the Office of Personnel Management. Does anyone know who specifically does our background checks?

And if it is the OPM, will the shutdown push back class dates because checks aren't being conducted? I did read on Military Times that a DoD memo said the flow of new service members to basic training won't be interrupted, so perhaps background investigations are an "essential" activity that will not be interrupted by the shutdown?

This probably could have gone in the shutdown thread, but that got super political in a heartbeat.

TIA

 

[azguy]

Maybe, maybe not, who cares?

The checks take months anyway... A couple weeks delay is a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of the bureaucratic wait times associated with the process.

 

[Nuknfuts]

It's mostly handed out to contractors who do the actual investigating

And with all the recent issues involving contractors with background checks, there's a lot of scrutiny around it too so don't be surprised if there are more delays

Maybe, maybe not, who cares?

The checks take months anyway... A couple weeks delay is a drop in the bucket compared to the rest of the bureaucratic wait times associated with the process.

Yep

Going to OCS, your investigation only needs to be in an "opened" status - people had security clearance follow-up meetings while at OCS so it's not like anything needs to be done before hand

 

[PenguinGal]

Just as a random comment regarding investigations and the shutdown. I was interviewed today as a reference for a coworker who is up for a TS/SCI clearance.

 

[Mr Spenz]

It's mostly handed out to contractors who do the actual investigating

And with all the recent issues involving contractors with background checks, there's a lot of scrutiny around it too so don't be surprised if there are more delays



Yep

Going to OCS, your investigation only needs to be in an "opened" status - people had security clearance follow-up meetings while at OCS so it's not like anything needs to be done before hand

What do you mean "recent issues" and "a lot of scrutiny"?

 

[Brett327]

 

[alaurin]

Don't stress, man. Just listen to Suicide Caucus's new CD.

 

[LFCFan]

Don't stress, man. Just listen to Suicide Caucus's new CD.

Their live album "Live from New Hampshire" is pretty good, too.

 

[sevenhelmet]

Normally only existing billets are considered "essential" during something like this (it was that way during sequestration, and we had specific guidance on how to handle clearances- no new ones could be processed.) Your stuff will be handled through OPM and posted in JPAS. The good news is "all" you need to do right now is fill out your SF-86. The rest should be transparent to you, minus the interviews whenever they get around to it.

Bottom line, I wouldn't worry- your security investigation by itself won't cause a delay due to the government shutdown. The lack of support staff and FY14 funds is what everyone should really be concerned about.

 

[HooverPilot]

I had my periodic reinvestigation interview (5 year) on Oct 2. OPM Investigators were not furloughed.