Four Steps to Getting an ID Badge
The instructions below describe the four steps each applicant must take to successfully complete the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process and obtain a Health and Human Services (HHS) ID Badge.
[For applicants at NIEHS-RTP and RML, please note: Special instructions for completing the PIV process at these facilities can be found at NIEHS-RTP (PDF, 4 Pages) and RML (PDF, 2 Pages) respectively]
Step 1. Pre-Enrollment
The process of obtaining a new badge or renewing an expiring badge begins when the Sponsor -- usually an Administrative Officer (AO) -- enters your information into the NIH Enterprise Directory (NED) and initiates a request to issue you an Health and Human Services (HHS) ID Badge.
Note: As part of this process, you may be asked to provide or verify your personal information.
The Department of Health and Human Services has set a deadline of June, 2010 to sponsor and issue the new HHS ID Badges to all NIH employees, contractors and affiliates, regardless of their current badge expiration date. You will be notified when it’s time for you to begin the PIV process.
Step 2. Enrollment (new photo and fingerprints)
Once you are sponsored for a new HHS ID Badge, you will receive an e-mail instructing you to schedule an Enrollment appointment with the Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPSAC). To schedule an appointment and find an Enrollment Center near you, click on: EWS/IWS Locations and Scheduling Information. Please note that NEW Federal employees are fingerprinted as part of the Entry-on-Duty (EOD) training.
You must bring two forms of acceptable identification. (One must be a Federal or State-issued photo ID and both must be unexpired.) View the table of acceptable identification documents as provided on the Federal I-9 form (PDF, 1 Page).
At your Enrollment appointment, DPSAC will scan your fingerprints. Everyone will be required to provide at least two fingerprints. These fingerprints will be programmed onto your new smart card. If DPSAC has determined that you need to complete a background investigation, all of your fingerprints will be scanned. DPSAC will also take a new photograph. Unfortunately, old photos cannot be used because they are not compliant with the PIV process.
Step 3. Getting Your New HHS ID Badge
Within 3-5 business days following your Enrollment appointment, DPSAC should be able to review the results of your fingerprint check from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). You will then receive an e-mail instructing you to schedule an appointment with DPSAC to pick up your HHS ID badge. To schedule an appointment and find a Badging Center near you, click on: EWS/IWS Locations and Scheduling Information. When you come to your Badge Issuance appointment, please be sure to bring the photo ID you used at your Enrollment appointment. If you have a current NIH ID Badge, you will be required to turn it in as well.
To check on the status of your HHS ID Badge at any time, log into NED (you must already be logged into the NIH network to access NED). Once you are logged in, simply click on the button labeled “Track My Badge Status” and you will be provided with the most up-to-date information on your new HHS ID Badge.
Step 4. Background Investigation
As part of the PIV process, individuals who need to complete a background investigation will receive a separate e-mail from DPSAC instructing them to complete any necessary forms. Watch for an e-mail alert with the subject line “****Mandatory**** RE: Background Investigation Forms.”
This e-mail provides a secure link to ‘e-QIP’ (the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing). that allows you to complete your background investigations form online. Please note that you cannot access the e-QIP system prior to receiving your e-mail from DPSAC.
Complete your e-QIP and any additional required forms within 7 business days, Print and submit your forms as directed. DPSAC will advise you on which of the following forms you will need to complete and sign. At a minimum you must complete the following:
- Online e-QIP form (including SF85, SF85P or SF86 and signature page) Click here to compare these Investigation Forms.
- OF 306
- OF 612 (Employees and affiliates)
- Any other required forms as directed in the e-mail
Helpful Tip: Collect the required information in advance of logging on to e-QIP to avoid interruptions and to save time. A convenient checklist of information you’ll need as well as an explanation of how to complete each form can be viewed by clicking on the corresponding link below:
- At a Glance: Documents and Information Needed to Complete Form SF-85 / SF -85P / SF-86
- SF85 – Explanation of Instructions
- SF85P – Explanation of Instructions
- SF86 – Explanation of Instructions
You should save your work, close out of e-QIP, and return to the forms without having to start over. Once you’ve completed your questionnaire you must hit the "Release Request/Transmit to agency" button to finalize the e-QIP process.
Deliver your required, signed forms to any EWS/IWS location. DPSAC will forward your information to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to conduct your background investigation. DPSAC will notify you when your investigation is complete.
IMPORTANT: Failure to complete the forms for your background investigation will result in your ID badge being disabled.
Additional information:
