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FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N2N6//
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MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N2N6/AUG//
SUBJ/REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN REDUCING THE NUMBER OF BACKLOGGED NAVY BACKGROUND
INVESTIGATIONS//
REF/A/DOC/DNI/16FEB17//
REF/B/DOC/DUSN(P)/02NOV17//
NARR/REF A IS DNI MEMORANDUM ES 2017-00049, STRATEGY TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT
OF NATIONAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS BUREAUS BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
BACKLOG, 16 FEBRUARY 2017.
REF B IS THE DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF THE NAVY MEMORANDUM FOR NAVAL SECURITY
ENTERPRISE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS//
RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN provides an update on the Navy's efforts to reduce the
number of backlogged background investigations and highlights how individual
commands can assist in this effort.
2. The National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) has more than
700,000 investigations overdue or pending for the Department of Defense
(DoD). As of 1 June 2018, the NBIB reported 85,812 pending or overdue
investigations for the Navy and 33,576 pending or overdue investigations for
the U.S. Marine Corps. This extensive backlog of open background
investigation degrades Navy readiness and compromises mission accomplishment.
3. In response, the Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence (OPNAV
N2N6I) established the Navy Background Investigations Backlog (BIB) Branch,
(OPNAV N2N6I/NIA SI3), in January 2018 and charged it with developing and
implementing innovative strategies for drawing down the Navys significant
background investigation backlog. Proven mitigation approaches include the
establishment of temporary hubs and surges at Navy installations.
a. Hubs are central locations where NBIB investigators conduct
Enhanced Subject Interviews (ESIs), for an extended period of time, in
geographic areas with a high concentration of overdue and pending background
investigation cases.
b. Surges employ a group of NBIB investigators to conduct ESIs,
for a short period of time, in geographic areas with a smaller concentration
of pending cases.
4. A Joint Service hub operation was completed in the Tidewater, Virginia
area earlier this year. The second Navy hub operation is scheduled in the
San Diego area later this month. Surges have been completed at the Office of
Naval Intelligence, Suitland, MD; Fleet Cyber Command, Fort Meade, MD; Naval
Submarine Base New London, Groton, CT; Kitsap, Bangor, WA and at Corry
Station, Pensacola, FL. To date, surges have proven very successful in
reducing the number of backlogged investigations in these areas.
5. To continue to drawdown pending background investigations, and in
coordination with the NBIB, the Navy BIB Branch will work to identify
additional locations for upcoming hub or surge efforts. Navy BIB Branch will
notify local commands and begin local coordination when new locations are
identified. No action is required by your command until notified by Navy
BIB.
6. Once notified, command assistance will be required in the following
areas:
a. Point of Contact (POC): NBIB will require a POC for each location
identified as a hub or surge site during the planning and execution phases.
The Navy BIB Branch is fully involved in these efforts and regularly engages
with the local command and NBIB for progress updates and to address concerns.
b. Awareness: Local commands must make interview subjects aware
of the importance of this initiative and the impact it will have on our
cleared force. Commands must ensure subject participation in hub or surge
efforts as required. Supervisors and subjects must be held accountable for
meeting scheduled appointment or interview times. Local commands are
encouraged to make the workforce aware of these initiatives and ensure
complete support to make the hub or surge a success (for example: handouts,
videos, or group emails).
c. Physical Space: Navy BIB Branch will work with local commands
to leverage installation office space for interviews in the hub and surge
area. NBIB will identify office spaces requirements in specific area provide
an estimated of the time the space will needed by the investigators.
(1) The requirements for acceptable space include: privacy (closed
door space or sufficient space for private conversation), a desk and two
chairs, ease of access (unclassified space preferred), and ample adjacent
parking.
(2) Spaces should be consolidated in one location (for example: a
training building with multiple rooms), if possible, or buildings within
close proximity, normally within a 10 15 minute walking distance. Navy BIB
Branch can provide pictures of previously approved spaces as examples.
(3) Once spaces are identified by the local command, the Navy BIB
Branch will inspect the space for suitability according to NBIB guidelines.
The NBIB will then send a team to inspect the spaces and approve the spaces
for the hub or surge. Navy BIB Branch members will accompany the NBIB team
to ensure any on-site issues are mitigated.
d. Locator: Local commands may need to assist with verifying
the current location of a subject before interviews are scheduled.
If a command validates subject locations prior to case assignment, it will
reduce the time NBIB spends tracking down interviewees, especially if the
subject is no longer assigned to the area. The command may also need to
notify the subject of the scheduled interview (date, time, location), if NBIB
requests assistance.
e. Scheduling: NBIB has limited time to schedule and then
interview personnel at the hub or surge locations. The NBIB may request
assistance of local commands to schedule individuals for interviews, at which
time the Navy BIB Branch will provide guidance and a scheduling tool for the
command. OPNAV requests the full support of senior leadership and
subordinates to ensure all military and civilian personnel attend their
scheduled interview appointment with NBIB investigators. Once scheduled, the
interview appointment should be considered a mandatory appointment unless
there is sufficient reason to reschedule or cancel. The goal is to have all
interview appointments scheduled during regular business hours.
f. Subject Actions: Subjects of an interview will work with a
NBIB investigator to schedule their interviews, review their Standard Form
(SF86) contents, and arrive prepared to discuss all areas. Subjects will
meet the investigator at a designated location. It is reasonable to travel
within a 30-45-minute radius to a location the investigator has made
available to conduct an interview.
(1) Preparation: Subjects must provide required identification (such
as a CAC), any additional documents (i.e., a passport if applicable); have a
smart phone, address book, or other information (to provide names, addresses
and phone numbers for references), SF86 updates (a SF86 Certification (SF86C)
if applicable); and be prepared to discuss past employment, residences, close
contacts, schools, and any other areas covered in the SF86. Subjects should
take great care in preparing their SF86 prior to submission, and if life
changes have occurred since initial submission of the SF86, subjects should
prepare and have on-hand a revised SF86C.
(2) The local Command Security Manager or Command Special Security
Officer can provide assistance on preparation of the SF86.
7. The Navy is steadily reducing the number of backlogged investigations
through hubs, surges, and other initiatives. The current Navy background
investigation backlog is now a critical Navy readiness issue. Through
efficient hub and surge operations, the Navy, in close cooperation with the
NBIB, can reduce the backlog of investigations to a reasonable level in a
timely manner.
8. Any questions should be directed to Ms. Jennifer Floyd, OPNAV N2N6I/NIA
SI3, at 703-604-5564 or via email at jennifer.floyd3@navy.mil.
9. Released by VADM Matthew J. Kohler, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for
Information Warfare, OPNAV N2N6.//
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