1. Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation Processing (e-QIP)
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Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation Processing (e-QIP)
Instructions using JPAS 2.3.0
View Presentation using “Slide Show” (Shift + F5)
Developed by the JPAS Industry Team
Version 10

2. What is e-QIP?
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 will replace the EPSQ system on or about July 7, 2005

3. e-QIP 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

4. JPAS and e-QIP
Air Force
JPAS
Navy
DISCO
e-QIP
Industry
Army

5. e-QIP Process for Industry
Initiate
Generate
Review
Approve
Release
DISCO
Approves completed PSQ
OPM
Loads PSQ into PIPS system – Request is terminated
DISCO
Reviews completed PSQ
Applicant
Completes their Personal Security Questionnaire (PSQ)
Requesting SMO
Initiates the Personal Security Investigation (PSI) Request

6. Version 2.3.0 DISCO does both Review & Approve
e-QIP Flowcharts
Version DISCO does both Review & Approve
Initiate
Generate
Review
Approve
Release
Detailed Flowchart
Detailed Flowchart
Detailed Flowchart
Detailed Flowchart

7. Granting “e-QIP” Authorization
Existing JCAVS User
Account Managers will “grant” existing JCAVS Users the authorization to initiate Investigation Request
Account Manager authorizes the JCAVS User authorization via the “Add/Modify/ Remove JCAVS User” screen
Once the “Initiate PSI” button has been clicked and saved, the person can immediately start processing investigation requests

8. Click “Initiate PSI”
Scroll Down
Click “Save”

9. 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

10. Applicant’s Requirements
Person Category must be “active”
Person Category must NOT have “access suspended”
Person must NOT be in “Due Process”
Person must NOT already have an “active” PSI request
Person must be owned/serviced by SMO
If the person has “Denied” or “Revoked” eligibility, it must be older than 12 months. The date of the denial/revocation will be on the person summary, on the “Eligibility” line, as well as on the “Adjudication Summary.”

11. Initiate Request 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

13. Determine Investigation Scope
Completing the Investigation Request form
You must then complete the “Determine Investigation Scope” Screen
Select the appropriate eligibility:
SCI - DCID 6/4
Top Secret
Enter Prime Contract Number
Secret
Confidential

14. CA-001-A-002

15. Determine Investigation Type
Completing the Investigation Request form - continued
Click “Determine Investigation Type” Button
Determine if “Override Justification” of Investigation Type is necessary (the override function is NOT available for Industry at this time)
Ensure Sensitivity Level Code displays “Industry”
Select the “Duty Position Code”:
Contractor
KMP
Determine if “Override Justification” of Service Code is required (the override function is NOT available for Industry at this time)

16. Leave blank for Industry

17. Additional Scope Information
Completing the Investigation Request form - continued
Determine “Form Type” (SF86 only this version)
Position Title – Industry enter “Contractor”
Date of Birth – Pre-populated
Access Codes:
SSBI or SBPR = Top Secret
NLC = Secret or Confidential
Sensitivity ADP = Leave Blank
Enter the date “Local Agency Check” was conducted
Service Agency = “DoD Contractor Companies”

18. Contractor

19. Requesting Official Information
Completing the Investigation Request form - continued
“Requesting Official” section
Requester’s Name
Requester’s Job Title
Requester’s Phone
Requester’s Extension
Each facility should determine if the Requesting Official” is the FSO or the actual person submitting the request
Person who will be contacted by DISCO or OPM

20. Scroll Down Enter the Name of the Requesting Official
Enter the Title of the Requesting Official
Michael H. Woolweaver
Enter the Telephone Number of the Requesting Official
Investigator
(703)
Enter the Extension of the Requesting Official
Scroll Down

21. Security Folder Section
Completing the Investigation Request form - continued
“Security Folder” section (location of Applicant’s Security folder)
Location Options (Defaults to “Other” for Industry
None
SOI (Submitting Office Identifier)
NPI (No Pertinent Information)
Other (must enter location name, address, city, state and zip)
The Organization’s information is automatically loaded

22. Defaults to Company Name
Defaults to “Other”
Defaults to Company Name
Defaults to Company Address
Defaults to Company City
Defaults to Company State
Defaults to Company Zip

23. Official Personnel Folder
Completing the Investigation Request form - continued
“Official Personnel Folder” (location of Applicant’s Personnel folder)
Location Options (Defaults to “Other” for Industry)
None
NPRC (National Personnel Records Center)
SON (Submitting Office Number)
Other (must enter location name, address, city, state and zip)
The Organization’s information is automatically loaded

24. Boeing Overtypes Address Defaults to Company Name
Defaults to “Other”
Boeing Overtypes Address
Defaults to Company Name
Boeing Overtypes with Ken’s Name
Boeing Overtypes City
Boeing Overtypes State
2201 Seal Beach Blvd
Defaults to Company Address
Ken Engelhard
Defaults to Company City
Seal Beach
California
90740
Defaults to Company State
Boeing Overtypes Zip
Defaults to Company Zip

25. Initiate/Pending Request
Completing the Investigation Request form - continued
If you’re NOT ready to submit the request, click the “Pending PSI” button
The request will be saved
You’ll have to return and click “Initiate PSI” to submit request
If you’re ready to submit the request, click the “Initiate PSI” button
The request will be submitted to DISCO
Notify Applicant to complete PSQ
Provide Applicant with “e-QIP Applicant Instruction” sheet

26. Click “Pending PSI” to hold off submitting request
Click “Initiate PSI” to submit request
Click “Save”

27. Time Limits
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

28. Draft/Review PSQ (Optional)
Inform Applicant that PRIOR to “certifying” their PSQ, that they should provide you with a “working” copy of their PSQ
You should review the working copy of the PSQ for completeness and accuracy
Notify Applicant of any required changes or additions
Once changes and/or additions have been made, advise Applicant to certify their PSQ

29. The instructions for printing the “working” copy are listed here
The Applicant would print a “working” copy of their PSQ from this screen

30. Validate, Review and Certify
Initiation Process - continued
Once the review is completed, have applicant certify their PSQ
Have Applicant:
Print copy of the Archived PSQ
Print out the three (3) releases and sign (make sure to use system generated releases)
Certify and transmit PSQ
File a copy of Archived PSQ in the Applicant’s Security folder until investigation is completed

31. Farewell Printing Problem
If you are unable to print the Archived PSQ or the Releases – Right mouse click on the hyperlinks and save them to either the hard drive, floppy disk or CD. Once you’ve save them you should be able to print them
Farewell
Click Hyperlink to print Release forms
Click the “Continue” button
Click Hyperlink to Release & Transmit PSQ
Click Hyperlink to print copy of Archival PSQ
Now once the Applicant is ready to “Certify” their PSQ they will click on the “Continue” button
Click “Certify Investigation Request”
The Investigation Request along with the Applicant’s PSQ have now been forwarded to DISCO for Review and Approval
IMPORTANT
After the Applicant clicks “Certify Investigation Request” the Applicant can NO longer access their PSQ

32. Releases & Fingerprint Cards
Initiation Process - continued
Send signed releases and any fingerprint cards to:
e-QIP Rapid Response Team
OPM-FIPC
PO Box 618
Boyers, PA 16018
IMPORTANT NOTE #1
If the Investigation Request is for an initial clearance. It is recommended that you Mail, Express Mail or FedEX both the releases and the fingerprint card together to OPM. OPM will NOT initiate the investigation until BOTH the fingerprint card and releases are received. If you send them together, it will be easier for OPM to marry them up with the PSQ.
IMPORTANT NOTE #2
If the Investigation Request is for a PR. It is recommended that you FAX the releases to OPM, along with a coversheet informing them that the releases are for a PR and that fingerprint cards are not needed. This should expedite the process as OPM will not being waiting for the fingerprint cards to arrive.
Mail:
e-QIP Rapid Response Team
OPM-FIPC
1137 Branchton Road
Boyers, PA 16018
FedEx:
(724)
Attention: Jody Gano or
Becky Fox
Fax

33. Checking Status
Initiation Process - continued
There are two ways to get to the “Investigation Request Status History” for each request:
Notifications – Investigation Request Status
Person Summary Screen – Investigation History
Must be an authorized e-QIP requestor within the Requesting SMO
Must have a relationship with the Applicant

34. Checking status via the Person Summary Screen
Investigation Request Status Hyperlinks
Checking status via the Person Summary Screen
Clicking on a hyperlink will take you to the request form

35. Ready for Review Process
Once the Applicant certifies and transmits the PSQ, the Investigation Request goes to DISCO for review and approval
Requesting SMO receives a “Ready-for-Review” via JPAS notification
DISCO assigns the Investigation Request to an Adjudicator
The DISCO Adjudicator reviews the request and the completed PSQ for accuracy and completeness
The DISCO Adjudicator can either “Stop” or “Approve” the Investigation Request
IMPORTANT NOTE
Currently for Industry, DISCO conducts both the “Review” and the “Approval” of the Applicant’s PSQ. In either step, DISCO can stop the process if additional information is required.

36. Scroll Down Initiate PSI Date Request was Initiated
Ready-for-Review PSQ
Date Request Arrived at DISCO
Scroll Down

37. DISCO Stop Process
If discrepancies are noted during the “Ready-for-Review” process, the DISCO Adjudicator “stops” the Investigation Request
Requesting SMO receives a “Ready-for-Review (Stopped)” notification
DISCO notifies requesting SMO of discrepancies via “Message from CAF” notification
Once the discrepancies are corrected, DISCO will “Resume” the review process
Requesting SMO will receive a “Ready-for-Review (Resumed)” notification

38. Scroll Down Ready for Review PSQ (Stopped) Date Request was Stopped
Ready-for-Review PSQ (Resumed)
Date DISCO Resumed Review Process
Scroll Down

39. DISCO Approval Process
If NO discrepancies are noted during the “review” process, the request is then submitted for approval.
Requesting SMO receives a “Ready for Approval” via JPAS notification
The Adjudicator can “stop” investigation request if additional information is required
Requesting SMO receives a “Ready for Approval (Stopped)” via JPAS notification
DISCO notifies requesting SMO of discrepancies via “Message from CAF” notification

40. DISCO Approval Process
Approval Process - continued
Once the additional information is corrected in the PSQ, DISCO will resume the approval process
Requesting SMO receives a “Ready for Approval (Resumed)” via JPAS notification
The Adjudicator will then “approve” request
Requesting SMO receives an “Approved PSQ” via JPAS notification
Investigation Request then sent to OPM

41. Scroll Down Created By Reviewed By Approved By Approver’s Phone Number
Date Request became Ready for Approval
Ready for Approval
Date Request was Stopped
Ready-for-Approval PSQ (Stopped)
Date Request was Resumed
Ready-for-Approval PSQ (Resumed)
Date Request was Approved
Approved PSQ
Scroll Down

42. Released Process
Once the Investigation Request arrives at OPM, their internal system “PIPS” notifies e-QIP that the request was successfully received
Once the request is successfully loaded into PIPS, the Investigation Request is “terminated”
e-QIP notifies JPAS that the Investigation Request was “released” into PIPS
The requesting SMO receives a “Released” notification via JPAS
Requesting SMO then waits for investigation to be opened by OPM

43. Browser Configuration
Before the Applicant can access e-QIP, they must ensure that their computer browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, etc…) is properly configured
If using Microsoft Internet Explorer, applicants must have version 5.5 or newer, with Service Pack 2.
If using Mozilla, applicants must have version 1.0 or newer.
If using Netscape Navigator, applicants must use version 6.1 or newer.
Probably the most common e-QIP problem for applicants who are accessing the system for the first time is that “TLS” is not a standard default on IE and must be enabled manually. Once applicants have enabled TLS on the initial log-in it will stay in active for each subsequent log-in.

44. Enabling TLS 1.0
Applicant must enable Transport Layer Security 1.0 to use e-QIP.
First, verify that your browser supports 128-bit "strong encryption" by selecting "Help" > "About Internet Explorer" from the web browser's menu. If "Cipher Strength: 128-bit" does not appear in the "About Internet Explorer" window then you will need to install the Internet Explorer High Encryption Pack.
Next, check the TLS 1.0 setting by selecting "Tools" > "Internet Options" on the web browser's menu.
Select the tab labeled "Advanced."
Locate the section labeled "Security."
Locate the item in that section labeled "Use TLS 1.0." In Internet Explorer, this option is disabled by default. Check the box to enable TLS 1.0.
Click the "OK" button to save these changes.

45. SEE www.dss.mil FOR MORE DETAILS
Problem Checklist
Releases not dated, signed or legible. Modifications must be initialed by Subject.
DOB or POB discrepancy between FPC and SF86/SF85P.
Missing middle name on FPC (Must match SF86/SF85P). 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.
Employment and residence gaps (see instructions at for specifics).
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. Provide comments in remarks section if needed.
SEE FOR MORE DETAILS

46. 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.

47. FAQ Continued 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.

48. FAQ
Continued
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.

49. FAQ
Continued
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.

50. FAQ
Continued
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.

51. FAQ
Continued
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.

52. End of Presentation

53. Click Here to Return to Flowchart
“Initiate” Flowchart
Yes No
Requestor accesses Applicant’s Person Summary screen
Requestor determines investigation is required
Requestor clicks the “Investigation Request” link
Requestor completes the “Investigation Request”
Requestor clicks the “Pending PSI” button
Requestor clicks the “Save” button
Investigation Request is registered with the e-QIP database
Requestor clicks the “Initiate PSI” button
Requestor completes the “Additional Scope Information” section
Requestor completes the “Additional Request Information” section
Is the
Requestor
ready to initiate the Investigation Request?
Requestor completes the “Investigation Scope” section
Requestor checks “Investigation Request Status History”
“Initiate PSI” annotated in Investigation Request Status History section
Requestor sends Applicant the “eQIP Information Sheet”
Click Here to Return to Flowchart

54. Click Here to Return to Flowchart
“Generate” Flowchart
Applicant receives the “eQIP Information Sheet”
Applicant answers the “default” Golden Questions
Applicant can change the “default” Golden Questions if so desired
Applicant logs into the eQIP website
Applicant enters their SSN
Applicant completes their Personal Security Questionnaire
Applicant completes their Personal Security Questionnaire
Applicant Prints “working” copy of PSQ
Applicant provides “working” copy of PSQ to Requestor
Applicant provides updated copy of PSQ to Requestor
Applicant corrects discrepancies in PSQ
Requestor notifies Applicant of discrepancies
Were any discrepancies identified?
Yes No
Requestor Reviews updated copy of PSQ
Were any discrepancies identified?
Requestor notifies Applicant to Certify and Transmit PSQ
Applicant Prints “Archived” copy of PSQ
Yes No
Request check History Status for “Ready for Review” notification
Applicant clicks “Release Request/Transmit to Agency”
Requestor sends/faxes Signature Forms to OPM
Applicant signs “Signature Forms”
Applicant Prints “Signature Forms”
Click Here to Return to Flowchart

55. Click Here to Return to Flowchart
“Review & Approve” Flowchart
DISCO receives Investigation Request
Requesting SMO receives “Ready for Review” notification
DISCO assigns Investigation Request to Adjudicator
Requesting SMO receives “Ready for Approval” notification
Adjudicator reviews Investigation Request
Adjudicator reviews PSQ
for accuracy and
completeness
Is additional information required?
Yes
Adjudicator “Stops” Review/Approval process
Requesting SMO receives a “Ready for Review (Stopped)” notification
Yes No
Adjudicator makes Interim determination if applicable
Adjudicator forwards PSQ to OPM
Adjudicator approves request No
Is additional information required?
Adjudicator notifies Requesting SMO why review was stopped
Requesting SMO receives “Ready for Review (Resumed) notification
Adjudicator reviews updated PSQ
Requesting SMO receives “Message from CAF”
Adjudicator Resumes the Review process
Applicant clicks “Release Request/Transmit to Agency”
Applicant prints out copy of new Achieved PSQ
Applicant logs into eQIP and corrects discrepancies
Requestor initiates a NEW Investigation Request for Applicant
Requestor notifies Applicant of the discrepancies
Click Here to Return to Flowchart

56. Click Here to Return to Flowchart
“Release” Flowchart
Requesting SMO receives “Approved PSQ” notification
OPM locates signed Signature Forms for Applicant
OPM receives Investigation Request
OPM review Investigation Request
Is the investigation
for a Periodic Reinvestigation?
OPM determines if fingerprint cards are required
OPM loads the PSQ and Request information into PIPS
Yes
Investigation Request is Terminated No
OPM locates fingerprint cards for Applicant
Requesting SMO receives “Released” notification
Requesting SMO waits for investigation to be opened by OPM
Click Here to Return to Flowchart