Office of Research Services

Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

Individuals with active badge requests may see where they stand in the investigation process by visiting the DPS Status Portal. Existing NIH PIV card holders may log in directly with their PIV card, while new applicants without a badge will need to create an account using the Login.gov button at the bottom of the portal sign in page. Feel free to view the DPS Status Portal Guide​ for more information​​. To prepare for your DPS appointment, please see the Approved Identifications Document to readily bring the acceptable IDs to ensure a smooth visit. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier onto campus to go through security screening. Please visit our Contact page​ for more information on each of our DPS offices.

All NIH ID badge holders must review our Badge Holder Responsibilities and Maintenance Flyer and may visit our Badge Services page to find important information on possessing a government PIV credential and tips on badge maintenance to ensure continual access. If this is your first time receiving an NIH ID badge, contact the NIH IT Service Desk to set up your user account and to get you logged into your computer after receiving your badge.​


About the Division of Personnel Security (DPS)

DPS's core mission is to ensure the NIH workforce is comprised of suitable federal employees, contractors and affiliates who promote the efficiency and integrity of the NIH Mission and Service. DPS is charged with prescreening employment applications, verifying personal identity, processing Background Investigation requests, authorizing facility access, issuing badges and conducting suitability adjudications for the NIH workforce.

Note: As part of the newly approved reorganization structure, the NIH Office of Defensive Counterintelligence and Personnel Security (ODCPS) Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPSAC) has updated its division title to the "Division of Personnel Security (DPS)." Thank you for your patience as we update our new title across communications and websites at NIH. This process will take time as we ensure all references remove our former division title​ and reflect our new name and acronym.

How can we help you today?
I would like to know...

I am an Applicant/Current Employee
Know before you go
Understand what background investigations are, why we do what we do, and how to prepare for your DPSAC visit
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DPSAC Process Overview
Step-by-step process to ensure a smooth timeline in getting your badge
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Services
Learn about the different services offered throughout the DPSAC process overview
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All About e-App
Get all your questions answered as you go through this required background investigation form
I am an Administrator
Onboarding New Staff
As you begin your role, understand what background investigations and security clearances are and help prepare applicants for their visit
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DPSAC Process Overview
Step-by-step process to ensure a smooth timeline for the applicant
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Understanding DPSAC Services
Learn about the different services offered throughout the DPSAC process overview
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Training, Resources and Forms for Current Staff
Info provided to help administrators prepare for processes needed by applicants/employees
×
For Applicants & Current Employees
Know before you go
Understand what background investigations are, why we do what we do, and how to prepare for your DPS visit
Decorative Image
DPS Process Overview
Step-by-step process to ensure a smooth timeline in getting your badge
Decorative Image
Services
Learn about the different services offered throughout the DPS process overview
Decorative Image
All About e-App
Get all your questions answered as you go through this required background investigation form
×
For Administrators
Onboarding New Staff
As you begin your role, understand what background investigations and security clearances are and help prepare applicants for their visit
Decorative Image
DPS Process Overview
Step-by-step process to ensure a smooth timeline for the applicant
Decorative Image
Understanding DPS Services
Learn about the different services offered throughout the DPS process overview
Decorative Image
Training, Resources and Forms for Current Staff
Info provided to help administrators prepare for processes needed by applicants/employees