This NEW package was originally part
of the OMB 3206-0005. OMB requested this be unbundled. The SF 85P
will be used by the U.S. Government in conducting background
investigations and reinvestigations of persons (Federal and
Contract) under consideration for, or retention of, public trust
positions. The SF 85PS is supplemental to the SF 85P and is used
only after an offer of employment has been made.
Several years ago OPM
requested that OMB unbundle the SF 85, SF 85P, SF 85PS, and the SF
86 into separate clearance packages. This change was made to allow
greater flexibility when making required changes that may impact a
particular form. Since that time several policy changes have
occurred which no longer supports this need. Through government
reform, standards used to conduct background investigations changed
to the Federal Investigative Standards (FIS), which applies a
tiered approach to investigations. With this approach there is a
clear alignment of investigation requirements for suitability and
national security investigation. OPM is working to develop a tiered
questionnaire that will apply the same basic principles identified
with the FIS. With the tiered questionnaire model, all questions
identified from all forms will be housed in a centralized
databased. Questions will be presented to the applicant based on
the required investigation level. For example, an individual
requiring an investigation to support Homeland Security
Presidential Directive-12 will only be presented questions normally
collected on the SF 85. The same will hold true for other levels of
investigations. Questions that are the same between all forms will
be standardized within the database. In addition to moving forward
with the tiered questionnaire, approval is still pending final
changes associated the SF 86. Once changes are approved for the SF
86, where appropriate, similar questions will be modified on the SF
85P and the SF 85PS.
US Code:
5 USC
3301 Name of Law: Government Organization and Employees
US Code: 5 USC
3302 Name of Law: Government Organization and Employees
EO: EO 10450 Name/Subject of EO: Security
Requirements for Government Employment
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.