Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-23044
OPM Seeks Renewal of the SF 86 National Security Positions Questionnaire Information Collection
Buyer
Office of Personnel Management
Posted
November 12, 2026
Respond By
December 14, 2026
Identifier
2026-23044
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is seeking renewal of the SF 86 information collection used for national security background investigations. - Government buyer: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Suitability Executive Agent Program. - Request: OPM is seeking Office of Management and Budget renewal of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, Standard Form 86 (SF 86), under OMB Control Number 3206-0005, without substantive change. - Purpose and users: The questionnaire collects information from federal civilian and military applicants and incumbents, as well as people performing work for the federal government under contract, to support background investigations and suitability, fitness, and access determinations. - Collection system: National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) electronic application (eApp) is the primary collection system. - Estimated burden: 495,924 respondents, 150 minutes per respondent, and 1,239,810 total burden hours. - Future plans: The Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ) is in development as the planned successor; OPM says the SF 86 remains necessary until the PVQ and related systems are implemented. - Procurement scope: No products or procurement services, quantities, OEMs, or commercial vendors are identified.
Description
The Office of Personnel Management requests that the Office of Management and Budget renew the previously approved information collection, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, Standard Form 86 (SF 86), without change. The form collects information from applicants and incumbents in federal civilian or military positions and people working for the federal government under contract. The information supports background investigations assessing suitability, fitness, and eligibility for access to federally controlled facilities and information systems. Comments are accepted until December 14, 2026.