Q.
It’s my understanding that individuals hired to fill a position designated as Tier 2 (non-sensitive positions designated as moderate risk public trust positions) always receive a subject interview (i.e., an in-person interview).
Recently program staff from our IC reached out to DPSAC concerned that a new staff member had not yet been contacted by an investigator for an interview. Do you know whether this person should expect a subject interview?
A.
In the past, individuals in a position designated as a Tier 2 (formerly referred to as a level 5B or MBI) always underwent a subject interview as part of the investigative process. Recently, as part of the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency's (DCSA) effort to streamline the investigative process, an interview is no longer automatic. Now, interviews only occur when there is a 'trigger' for one. These triggers could include any or all of the following: discrepant information; questions on disclosed or undisclosed debt; criminal record; leaving a job under unfavorable circumstances; discrepant information on a verifier's returned questionnaire; and a number of other reasons. DCSA will determine if a follow-up interview is needed during the investigative process.
If you are contacted by an investigator, please be sure to comply with their request for an interview. If you are unsure if the interview is legitimate, call the DPSAC help desk (301-402-9755) and our office can verify the validity of the interview. A DCSA investigator will always identify themselves, have a badge, and provide their contact information.
