The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) hit a major milestone. All required customer agencies have successfully transitioned to the NBIS eApp (electronic application) for initiating background investigations. This marks a big step in advancing the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) program and the Trusted Workforce 2.0 reform.
What is eApp?
eApp is the streamlined entry point for federal applicants and employees to begin the background investigation process. Featuring an intuitive design, eApp simplifies the application process. It also securely integrates information into the broader NBIS system. It replaces outdated workflows, making case initiation more efficient and user-friendly.
“A new application was needed for beginning the vetting process that would allow a modern interface and process changes to the standard forms used for initiating investigations,” explained Robert Schadey, DCSA’s Executive Program Manager for NBIS. “The modern interface in eApp provides enhanced user experience and is securely integrated into the NBIS system.”
The Road to Full Implementation
The transition to eApp began in March 2023, with customer agencies and industry partners gradually adopting the system. By October 1, 2023, eApp became the primary tool for initiating background investigation cases. DCSA worked closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition, incorporating feedback and rolling out enhancements to meet agency needs.
This collaborative effort was essential to achieving this Trusted Workforce 2.0 milestone. Mark Pekrul, DCSA’s Deputy Assistant Director for Personnel Security Customer and Stakeholder Engagement, praised the teamwork involved:
“DCSA thanks our federal customers and industry stakeholders for committing to this transition early on, for staying the course with us, and for devoting the necessary resources to achieving this significant accomplishment. Our partners had to perform the bulk of the actions to get the enterprise to this point; we’ve made it and can continue to implement TW 2.0.”
Building Confidence in Trusted Workforce 2.0
NBIS is more than just a technology platform—it’s a mission-critical initiative to deliver end-to-end personnel vetting that aligns with Trusted Workforce 2.0 goals. DCSA is committed to continuous improvement to bring about personnel vetting reform.
It’s important to have a secure, efficient, and user-friendly vetting process for the federal government.
