Compare Block 14 Of The Dd Form 2890

CompareBlock 14 of the DD Form 2890: Understanding the Investigation Types That Shape Contractor Clearances

When a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor needs to request a personnel security clearance, the DD Form 2890 serves as the official gateway. While many sections of the form capture basic biographic and contractual data, Block 14 holds a pivotal role: it specifies the type of background investigation the government will conduct to determine eligibility for access to classified information. Comparing the options available in Block 14 is essential for contractors, security officers, and program managers who must align the depth of vetting with the sensitivity of the position, the contract requirements, and budget considerations. This article breaks down each investigation type, highlights their similarities and differences, and offers practical guidance for selecting the appropriate level of scrutiny.

Overview of DD Form 2890 and the Role of Block 14

DD Form 2890, titled Contractor Personnel Security Clearance Request, is submitted by the cleared contractor facility to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) (formerly the Defense Security Service). The form collects information that enables DCSA to initiate a background investigation commensurate with the clearance level sought.

• Blocks 1‑13 cover personal identifiers, citizenship, desired clearance level, position details, and contract information.
• Block 14 is labeled “Type of Investigation Requested”. Here, the requester selects from a predefined list of investigation categories.
• Blocks 15‑18 capture the request date, remarks, and certifying official signatures.

Because the investigation type directly influences the scope, duration, and cost of the vetting process, an accurate comparison of Block 14 entries ensures that neither over‑investigation (wasting resources) nor under‑investigation (creating security gaps) occurs.

Investigation Types Listed in Block 14

Block 14 offers several investigation designations, each corresponding to a specific standard outlined in DoD Instruction 5200.02 and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). The most frequently used options are:

Note: The exact wording may vary slightly across form revisions, but the substantive categories remain consistent.

Comparative Analysis of the Investigation Types

To compare block 14 of the DD Form 2890 effectively, we examine each option across five dimensions: investigative depth, frequency, typical positions, cost implications, and processing time.

1. Investigative Depth

• NACLC – Lowest depth. Relies on automated checks (FBI fingerprints, OPM, etc.) and local agency records. No personal interviews.
• BI – Slightly deeper than NACLC; includes verification of employment and education but generally omits neighbor or reference interviews.
• SSBI – Moderate‑to‑high depth. Comprehensive field investigation covering the past 7‑10 years, with interviews of supervisors, coworkers, and personal references.
• SSBI‑PR – Same depth as an initial SSBI but limited to verifying changes since the last investigation.
• PR – Similar to SSBI‑PR but often relies more on record

updates and self-reported information; field interviews are rare unless new concerns emerge.

• SUI – Targeted depth; investigators focus on specific areas (e.g., foreign travel, financial anomalies) rather than a full life history.
• SCI – Highest depth. Includes polygraph examination, detailed travel and foreign contact reviews, and exhaustive interviews with personal and professional contacts.
• CAC – Minimal depth; primarily criminal history and credit checks, with no field investigation.

2. Frequency

• NACLC – Typically required every 5–10 years for lower-risk positions.
• BI – Less frequent; often used for positions with minimal risk or as an interim check.
• SSBI – Initial investigation plus periodic reinvestigations every 5–10 years for cleared personnel.
• SSBI-PR – Conducted on a set schedule (e.g., 5 years) for those already holding a clearance.
• PR – Standard reinvestigation cycle for cleared personnel; frequency depends on clearance level and risk.
• SUI – Ad hoc; triggered by specific concerns or policy changes.
• SCI – Initial plus periodic reinvestigations (often every 5 years) with additional spot checks.
• CAC – No set reinvestigation cycle; updates occur as needed for IT system access.

3. Typical Positions

• NACLC – Entry-level government employees, contractors with limited access, military enlistees.
• BI – Lower-risk civilian positions, some contractor roles.
• SSBI – Military personnel requiring Secret clearance, federal employees with moderate risk.
• SSBI-PR – Cleared personnel in Secret/Top Secret roles needing routine updates.
• PR – Same as SSBI-PR; standard for cleared staff.
• SUI – Personnel with flagged issues (e.g., foreign nationals, financial distress).
• SCI – Intelligence community members, DoD personnel with SCI access.
• CAC – DoD contractors accessing unclassified IT systems.

4. Cost Implications

• NACLC – Least expensive; largely automated.
• BI – Low to moderate cost.
• SSBI – Moderate to high cost due to field work and interviews.
• SSBI-PR – Similar to SSBI but slightly less expensive due to narrower scope.
• PR – Moderate cost; less field work than initial SSBI.
• SUI – Variable; targeted investigations can be cost-effective but may escalate if issues are found.
• SCI – Highest cost due to polygraph, extensive travel, and in-depth interviews.
• CAC – Low cost; limited to database checks.

5. Processing Time

• NACLC – Fastest; often completed in 30–60 days.
• BI – Similar to NACLC, sometimes slightly longer.
• SSBI – 6–12 months on average, depending on complexity.
• SSBI-PR – 4–8 months, as it builds on prior data.
• PR – 3–6 months; streamlined for cleared personnel.
• SUI – Variable; can be quick if focused, but may extend if deeper issues arise.
• SCI – Longest; 12–18 months or more due to polygraph and exhaustive review.
• CAC – Quickest; often 2–4 weeks.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions among these investigation types is critical for security officers, HR professionals, and applicants navigating the clearance process. Each option in block 14 of the DD Form 2890 represents a tailored balance of thoroughness, cost, and timeliness, aligned with the risk profile of the position in question. By matching the appropriate investigation type to the role’s requirements, agencies ensure both national security and efficient use of resources.