Before a candidate is authorized for Enrollment for a PIV/RLA badge, they are required to undergo Prescreening where DPSAC will determine an individual's investigative requirements. This is done by collecting​​​ information and fingerprints​​ to determine the individual's eligibility to possess a U.S. Government credential to access NIH facilities or information systems.

DPSAC uses a Crossmatch fingerprinting machine to collect 'Prescreening' fingerprints. This will occur when applicants must provide their fingerprints for prescreening or e-QIP background investigation but is not yet ready for PIV/RLA badge Enrollment in the NED system. This may also occur when Enrollment is not required (i.e., an individual already has a badge and needs fingerprinting for an investigation update). These fingerprints will allow DPSAC to obtain the criminal history repository check needed to complete prescreening and will not be tied to any badge.

Candidates may go to one of two places to get their Crossmatch or 'Prescreening" fingerprints collected: 

1. Candidates located over 50 miles away from the NIH Main Office Location in Building 31 can utilize Fieldprint, a tool that DPSAC uses to capture fingerprints for the candidate's prescreening before getting cleared for enrollment. Please read the Fieldprint section below for more information.

2. Candidates located under 50 miles from the NIH Main Office Location in Building 31 must travel to this main location (Building 31, Room 1B03) to submit fingerprints for prescreening or background investigation. 

Applicants must bring two (2) forms of valid government-issued identification, one of which contains a photo. Visit the FIPS 201-3 PDF​ to view a complete list of approved identification.      

Fieldprint i​s a remote Crossmatch capability DPSAC uses via a Third party that uses crossmatch fingerprint machines but gives the option for remote locations that may be more accommodating than the NIH Main Office Location in Building 31.      

This option should be used if applicants are more than 50 miles from the NIH Main Office Location in Building 31 and need to submit fingerprints for their prescreening or e-QIP background investigation.

Please note that Crossmatch and Fieldprint services cannot be used to satisfy the individual's PIV/RLA Enrollment requirement, as it is not a PCIF. If Crossmatch/FieldPrint was used to obtain fingerprinting for Prescreening, the individual will still need to complete their PIV/RLA Enrollment at an NIH Enrollment Facility once authorized in order to be issued their PIV/RLA badge​.     

For any further questions regarding Fieldprint, feel free to contact ORSFingerprintService@mail.nih.gov​ or call our help desk at (301) 402-9755.

All prospective NIH personnel requiring a PIV/RLA badge must be enrolled at a certified NIH Enrollment Work Station (EWS). The enrollment process comprises of Identity Proofing, Photograph, Fingerprinting and biometric collection for the NIH Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badge or the NIH Restricted Local Access (RLA) badge.      

Once the Administrative Officer has sponsored a candidate for a badge and NIH account, and DPSAC completes the Prescreening/Investigation Requirements process, you will receive an e-mail from our office instructing you to schedule an Enrollment appointment. To find an Enrollment Center near you as well as Scheduling Information, click the link for the Contact Information for either the NIH Bethesda Main Campus or Other NIH Locations.      

You must bring the following to your Enrollment Appointment:      

1. Two (2) forms of valid government-issued identification, one of which contains a photo. Visit the FIPS 201-3 PDF to view a complete list of approved identification.     

• Both forms of ID must be unexpired
• Your identifying information on both forms of ID must match exactly, no exceptions (i.e. first name, middle name and last name, date of birth, etc.)
• If you were recently married or underwent a legal name-change, you must present DPSAC with two forms of valid government issued identification showing your NEW legal name (DPSAC will not accept a marriage certificate as a form of accepta​ble identification)
• If you are using your state issued driver's license as one of your forms of ID, please make sure that it is REAL ID compliant by May 3, 2023

​2. For customers obtaining Enrollment or Badge Issuance services at the NIH Main Campus in Bethesda, Maryland: Prior to your arrival to the NIH, please print a copy of your email showing confirmation of your appointment or have the email ready to be presented on your smart phone. Once you have arrived, present your email to the Security Guard or Police Officer at the NIH's Gateway Center or Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) to ensure you are expedited through the security screening process. Failure to do so may result in delays or possible denial of entry to the NIH.      

Other Forms of Acceptable Identification

Please see the FIPS 201-3 PDF for more information .     

Remote Enrollment Services 

Remote enrollment badging services have been discontinued until further notice.     

Building Access Control Changes: To enhance the safety and security of the interior of campus, the NIH will convert the following administrative buildings to a "weekend access control" schedule. Buildings 1, 2, 3, 12A, 15K, 16, 30T, 38, 45, 61, T40B and 82RA will transition to this new access control schedule. In order to enter from the exterior of a building, employees will need to use their NIH-issued identification badge with a card reader, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is the same procedure used to enter the main campus at any of our employee entrances.     

Note: the only exceptions involve remote coordination of Badge PIN resets and Certificate renewals.     

Individuals Working with Children

Individuals working with children under the age of 18 will have additional fingerprinting and investigation requirements as part of the mandatory background investigation. Take advantage of your enrollment appointment to complete these requirements on site. For more information, visit our Investigative Requirements for Individuals Working with Children page.​
     

As part of the DPSAC prescreening process, DPSAC will review and adjudicate the results of your fingerprint record in accordance with federal guidelines. Personnel Security Representatives at DPSAC may reach out to you in the event you have a criminal history result. Your results will be adjudicated using federal credentialing guidelines.