References
The government departments, programs, systems, and platforms you'll encounter during the FCL application process.
Presented roughly in the order that you'll encounter them. For information, see Section 9 of the DCSA Facility Clearance (FCL) Orientation Handbook.
SAM.gov
SAM.gov is the online portal that provides public access to the System for Award Management (SAM), allowing users to register entities, update profiles, and search for federal contract opportunities, assistance listings, and wage determinations.
Key Functions of SAM.gov:
- Serves as the central registry for businesses and entities seeking federal contracts or grants
- Provides access to contract opportunities (formerly on FedBizOpps)
- Allows entities to register for federal financial assistance and payment eligibility
- Hosts databases for exclusions and responsibility determinations
- Supports compliance with federal procurement regulations
DCSA
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is a Department of Defense (DoD) agency responsible for overseeing security clearances, counterintelligence, and industrial security for government contractors and agencies. It plays a crucial role in protecting classified information and national security.
Key Functions of DCSA:
- Conducts background investigations for security clearances
- Oversees industrial security for defense contractors
- Provides counterintelligence support to protect against foreign threats
- Manages insider threat programs
- Operates the National Background Investigations Services (NBIS)
DCSA was formerly known as the Defense Security Service (DSS) before being renamed in 2019.
NCAISS
The National Industrial Security System (NCAISS) is a U.S. government platform used for managing security clearances and industrial security data and serves as a centralized authentication system for security professionals working with DoD-sensitive information.
Key Functions of NCAISS:
- Provides secure access to DCSA applications, such as NBIS (National Background Investigations Services) and e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing)
- Manages user authentication and access control for industrial security systems
- Supports defense contractors and government agencies in handling classified information
- Enhances cybersecurity and compliance within the National Industrial Security Program (NISP)
NCAISS is administered by the DCSA under the DoD.
NISS
The NISS (National Industrial Security System) is a U.S. government platform used for managing industrial security and facility clearances. It is administered by the DCSA under the DoD.
Key Functions of NISS:
- Supports the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) by overseeing facility security clearances (FCLs)
- Allows defense contractors to submit and track facility clearance requests
- Provides a centralized system for industrial security oversight and reporting
- Enhances communication between the DCSA, government agencies, and cleared industry partners
NISS is a critical tool for contractors working with classified defense information and is accessible through the NCAISS portal.
eApp
NBIS eApp (electronic application) and NBIS Agency are the new entry points for background investigation applications and are replacing eQIP as the system for initiating investigations. eApp also replaces the SF 86 form.
eApp contains the investigative Standard Forms (SF) federal applicants and employees use to input information required to process their personnel background investigation. As a single-page solution, based on modern, simple design elements, eApp makes the application process more intuitive and easier to use for applicants initiating a background investigation.
For applicant support with eApp, contact the Applicant Knowledge Center (AKC) at:
- dcsa.boyers.dcsa.mbx.applicant-knowledge-center@mail.mil
- 1 (878) 274-5091
- Hours 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
SWFT
Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission (SWFT) allows the submission of fingerprints to be uploaded electronically. All fingerprint images that are provided in support of background investigations must be captured and submitted electronically.
Here are some other entities you may encounter.
Presented in alphabetical order.
CDSE
The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) provides the DOD with security education and training for the U.S. Government and industry partners under the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
DISS
The Defense Information System for Security (DISS) provides secure communications between Adjudicators, Security Officers, and Component Adjudicators in support of eligibility and access management.
All PCL eligibility and access records for KMPs and those requiring access to classified information must be kept up-to-date in DISS.
DoD
The Department of Defense (DoD) is a U.S. government agency responsible for national security and military operations. It is the largest federal department and oversees the armed forces.
Key Functions of DoD:
- Manages the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force
- Develops and implements military policies
- Conducts combat operations and national defense strategies
- Oversees intelligence and cybersecurity operations
- Manages the Pentagon, the headquarters of U.S. military operations
The DoD is led by the Secretary of Defense, who reports directly to the President of the United States. It was established in 1947 to unify military operations under a single department.
e-QIP
Note: e-QIP has been replaced by eApp and NBIS Agency. This is legacy information being presented for historical knowledge.
e-QIP (pronounced "e-quip") was a web-based automated system designed to facilitate the processing of standard investigative forms used by DCSA and other Investigation Service Providers (ISP) when conducting background investigations for Federal security, suitability, fitness and credentialing purposes.
e-QIP allows the user to electronically enter, update and transmit their personal investigative data over a secure internet connection to a requesting agency.
GSA
The General Services Administration (GSA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for managing federal property, procurement, and technology services. It provides essential support to other government agencies to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Key Functions of GSA:
- Oversees federal real estate, including office buildings and land
- Manages government-wide procurement for products, services, and technology
- Operates GSA Advantage!, an online marketplace for federal purchases
- Supports IT modernization and cybersecurity initiatives for federal agencies
- Administers the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) and the Public Buildings Service (PBS)
JPAS
Note: JPAS was the system of record until April 2021 when DISS fully deployed.
JPAS was replaced by DISS on March 31, 2021. It is still referenced in Section 9 of the DCSA Facility Clearance (FCL) Orientation Handbook.
NBIS
The National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) is the federal government's one-stop-shop IT system for end-to-end personnel vetting — from initiation and application to background investigation, adjudication, and continuous vetting. NBIS will be one consolidated system designed to deliver robust data protection, enhance customer experience, and better integrate data across the enterprise.
NISP
The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) is a U.S. government initiative that regulates the handling of classified information by defense contractors. It is managed by the DCSA under the DoD.
Key Functions of NISP:
- Establishes security requirements for companies working with classified government contracts
- Protects classified information from unauthorized access or disclosure
- Oversees the Facility Security Clearance (FCL) process for defense contractors
- Provides security education and training through the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE)
- Ensures compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)
NISP applies to private companies, universities, and organizations that require access to classified materials for government work.
PVQ
From Clearance Jobs on Aug 31, 2024:
The Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ) was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and has been on a slow roll toward implementation over the past year. While the policy and form are established, implementation awaits progress on the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS).