DPSAC News
A bi-weekly newsletter from the Division of Personnel Security and Access Control
Providing timely information to help keep NIH safe and secure.

August 29, 2018 Issue of DPSAC News
Attention New Federal Employees: DPSAC Website Offers Step-by Step Tutorial on How to Complete e-QIP and Avoid Delays
This article, which first appeared in the January 31, 2018 DPSAC News, is published periodically as a resource for the NIH administrative community who will be assisting their new hires prepare for and complete the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP). 

As part of the HHS PIV process, each applicant who is required to complete a background investigation must complete an electronic questionnaire through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) secure online system: the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) .

Soon after an applicant's investigation requirements have been determined, s/he will be sent an e-mail notification with the subject line " **MANDATORY** RE: Background Investigation Forms."

This e-mail provides the link to the secure online e-QIP system and instructions for logging in. Applicants will have seven business days to complete the e-QIP questionnaire.

Applicants who need assistance, or who want to get a jump start on the process can refer to a tutorial posted on the DPSAC website that provides valuable tips on completing e-QIP. This tutorial was prepared by DPSAC and posted on the landing page of the DPSAC website at: https://www.idbadge.nih.gov .

The tutorial urges applicants to set aside ample time to complete the questionnaire. It can take a few hours. It also cautions applicants to begin as soon as possible and not to wait until the last minute, reminding applicants that "Your employment offer may be rescinded if all required materials are not received within the time stated in your e-mail."

Begin at the beginning
The tutorial recommends starting the e-QIP process by gathering materials needed to cover the period of time requested on the form. These materials include:
Citizenship and identifying information for you, your spouse, and other relatives

Previous residency addresses   

Education history - dates, degree(s) awarded, and institution addresses

Employment history - including supervisor name and contact information  

Full names, addresses and phone numbers of friends or other individuals who can verify your recent education, employment status and residence history

If applicable, federal debt, prior employment and criminal history information/documentation

Note: Instructions and frequently asked questions are located on the
OPM website.
 
Visitors to the DPSAC Enrollment and Badging Center in Building 31, Room 1B03 will see a new wall plaque honoring Richie Taffet, former Program Manager of the HSPD-12 Program Office, who retired from the NIH at the end of 2017 after 49 years of exceptional service.

The plaque states in part that Richie was "instrumental in developing and implementing NIH's program to issue "smart card" badges to employees, contractors and affiliates.... Throughout his career, as attested to by his numerous significant accomplishments, Richie epitomized the best qualities of a dedicated public servant."
Fire Safety Tips for Using Microwave Ovens
The following article was prepared by the Division of the Fire Marshal, ORS
 Microwave ovens are used every day, both at home and in the workplace. When used properly, the microwave is safe and convenient for heating a variety of foods in a short time.

When you become complacent about microwave safety, however, your appliance can cause painful burns and become a potential fire hazard.

The following tips will help make the use of your microwave oven a safe method of food preparation.

  • Before using a new microwave oven, always read the manufacturer’s operating procedures and safety precautions first.

  • To minimize risk of fire, never attempt to heat articles that are not approved for use in microwave ovens.

  • Never use recycled paper products in microwave ovens unless they are specifically approved for microwave use.

  • Recycled products including paper towels and even waxed paper contain minute metal flecks. When a microwave oven is operating, the interaction between microwaves and the metal can cause sparks and even flames.

  • Do not leave a microwave oven unattended when microwaving popcorn, since the heat buildup can cause fires. Heat the popcorn according to the written instructions, but begin with the minimum time specified because some microwaves can scorch popcorn in as little as two minutes.

  • If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn it off immediately. This will stop the fan so it won’t feed oxygen to the flames. Then simply wait until the fire suffocates. Never open the oven door until you are absolutely certain that the fire is out. If in doubt, call the fire department.

  • Use only microwave-safe utensils. The instructions that come with each microwave oven specify what kinds of containers are safe to use and how to test the suitability of materials before use.

  • Always use oven mitts to remove items from the microwave oven after cooking.
 
  • Be careful when removing a wrapping or covering from a hot item. Hot steam escaping from the container, as the covering is lifted, can cause painful burns.

  • Be careful when heating liquids in the microwave oven. Since the containers may only feel warm, rather than hot, they are sometimes handled with less caution. This can easily result in the splashing or spilling of a scalding liquid.

  • Before allowing children to operate a microwave oven, make sure that they are instructed in the proper use, and that they are tall enough to reach the oven and handle foods safely. Over 50% of those burned using microwave ovens are under 5 years of age.

If you have any questions concerning microwave oven fire safety and burn prevention, please contact the Division of the Fire Marshal, Office of Research Services, at:
301-496-0487.
Do NOT lend your ID badge to anyone! Lending your ID badge is prohibited. The issuance of ID badges is based on strict identity proofing and the determination of one's suitability for a specific position classification. To do so is a criminal offense!

Where to find information about your ID Badge. You can find helpful information about your HHS ID Badge, including how to use your badge to login, send/receive encrypted e-mail and digitally sign documents at:  http://smartcard.nih.gov
Ad ministrative Officers (AOs) who wish to obtain sponsor authority must complete the sponsor training. To access the training module, click on: Sponsor .

Upon completion, the AO should sign and e-mail a copy of the certificate found at the end of the training module to Alex Salah at: salaha@ors.od.nih.gov . Upon receipt of the certificate, Mr. Salah will authorize the AO as a Sponsor. 

Note: ONLY individuals with an Administrative Officer role in NED are eligible to be HHS ID Badge/PIV Card Sponsors.  
A biweekly e-newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, Office of Research Services, Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (ORS/DPSAC) to keep its readers informed of personnel security and access control policies and practices designed to safeguard the NIH and its workforce. DPSAC is responsible for verifying personal identity, validating suitability, reviewing background checks, authorizing facility access and issuing ID badges for NIH personnel. 

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