Single Scope Background Investigation

A Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), now called a Tier 5 (T5)^[1] investigation, is a type of United States security clearance investigation.^[2] It involves investigators or agents interviewing past employers, coworkers and other individuals associated with the subject of the SSBI. It is governed by the U.S. Intelligence Community Policy Guidance Number 704.1.

The Tier 5 investigation is required in order to receive a Top Secret or Q clearance.^[3] It is required for positions designated as High Risk.^[1]

Standard elements include background checks of employment, education, organization affiliations and any local agency where the subject has lived, worked, traveled or attended school. These checks lead to interviews with persons who know the subject both personally and professionally.^[4] The investigation may include a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC) of the subject's spouse or cohabitant. Previous background investigations conducted on the subject may also be reviewed to corroborate the information obtained or disclosed within the new SSBI.^[5]

The Standard Form 86 (SF86) is required to begin the background check process.^[6][7] SF86 is now an electronic form known as e-QIP.

See also

• Yankee White

References

1. "Understanding U.S. Government Background Investigations & Reinvestigations". Office of Research Services. National Institutes of Health.
2. "A Primer on Congressional Staff Clearances". Project On Government Oversight. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
3. "NRC Regulations Title 10 § 25.5 Definitions". § 25.5 Definitions. United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
4. Peck, Jeremy F. "Personnel Security Investigations: Improving the Quality of Subject and Workplace Interviews". 45th Annual Conference of the International Military Testing Association. pp. 278–296. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.115.772.
5. "INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY POLICY GUIDANCE NUMBER 704.1, PERSONNEL SECURITY INVESTIGATIVE STANDARD AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCESS TO SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION AND OTHER CONTROLLED ACCESS PROGRAM INFORMATION" (PDF). DNI.gov. October 2, 2008. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
6. "Questionnaire for National Security Positions" (PDF). OPM.GOV.
7. Graff, Garrett M. (27 July 2018). "Five myths about security clearances". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 15 February 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2021.