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.

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​About Us​
Who We Are

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 do not pose a threat to the NIH workforce or mission. 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.

All NIH employees, contractors and affiliates who require access to NIH facilities will be required to undergo the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badging process, and will be subject to a background investigation to determine if they are suitable to occupy the position to which they are applying. The background investigation and credentialing process are designed to protect employees, facilities, and information, and safeguard the government resources that provide critical services to the American people.  

Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12

DPS processes are governed by many federal regulations, including Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12). HSPD-12 was enacted in 2004 and mandates a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees, Affiliates and Contractors. In response to this mandate, all federal agencies have adopted a reliable, commonly accepted form of government identification known as the HHS ID Badge or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card to enhance security, increase government efficiency, reduce identity fraud and protect personal privacy. The HHS PIV Badge serves as the common government identification for all HHS agencies. DPS is responsible for the continued implementation and maintenance of the HSPD-12 directive at NIH.  

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