What a Contractor Needs to Know

U.S. Department of Commerce

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Personnel Security
"What the contractor needs to know"

Prior to entering a BOC Facility, non-Bureau personnel must complete a Special Sworn Status form BC-1759, be sworn-in and escorted by a BOC employee.

A BOC employee must escort, at all times, any foreign national who has not been in the US for 2 consecutive years.

All contractors must complete a pre-appointment check. General requirements include completing the following forms and submitting them to the Office of Security (OSY) 2 weeks prior to starting work: two (2) fingerprint cards (FD-258), Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) or Special Agreements Check (SF-86C), Declaration of Federal Employment (OF-306) and Special Sworn Status (BC-1759). Note the following exceptions and particulars:

If the contractor will be working less than 14 days then s/he fills out the BC-1759, is sworn-in and escorted by a BOC employee.

If the contractor will be working more than 14 days but less than one year then s/he must submit (2) FD-258, (1) SF-86C, (1) OF-306 and the BC-1759. This clearance is referred to as a Special Agreements Check (SAC).

If the contractor will be working one year or longer then s/he must submit (2) FD-258, (1) SF-85, (1) OF-306 and the BC-1759. This clearance is referred to as a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI).

Fingerprints may be taken at any police station.

It is the contractor's responsibility to return all forms to the BOC in the postage paid envelope provided. Failure to do so will result in the delay of your start date.

The contractor will be notified by the COTR with the final status. S/he can then make arrangements (through the COTR) to schedule an appointment with the OSY to get a badge and be sworn-in.

Renewals shall be submitted to security 30 days prior to expiration.

It is the contractor's responsibility to know his/her expiration date and submit the paperwork in a timely manner.

The contractor shall work through the COTR for any questions or problems regarding clearances or building access, and/or proximity cards.

All contractors shall complete the Contractor Checklist for Exiting the Census Bureau prior to their last day on the program. This can be obtained from the COTR.

If 24/7 access is required, the COTR needs to know the name(s) of the individual and how long it is required. Depending on the length a new badge may be required.

All foreign nationals with less than 2 years of consecutive residency in the U.S. may not have 24/7 access.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Acquisition Division
Created: 5/8/2001
Last Revised: November 02, 2011

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