Clearances and Investigations

Requesting a DoD Security Clearance

To obtain a Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance, follow the steps below:

      1. Forward a copy of your IPA, Contract or Grant to Industrial Security, located at 1717 Roma NE (Bldg. 26), MSC05 3480, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001. You may also fax this information to (505) 277-7216.
      2. If the IPA, Contract or Grant does not state justification for a clearance, complete the Justification for Personnel Security Clearance Form and forward to Industrial Security.
      2. Bring proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, and your State Drivers License or State ID to Industrial Security, located at 1717 Roma NE (Bldg. 26), 2nd Floor. You may also fax this information to (505) 277-7216. At this time, release forms will be signed for the background checks and the Industrial Security Office will complete the information for the two sets of fingerprint cards.
      4. Go to the Bursar's Office, located in the Student Services Building Student Center, Room 170, Ph: 505-277-5363 to pay for your fingerprints. The fee is $15.00 with your Lobo ID; otherwise the fee is $20.00. Retain your receipt to present to the Fingerprint Office, located at Hokona Hall, 2500 Campus Blvd, NE, 1st floor.
      5. Contact the Industrial Security Office to schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints taken.
      6. A Industrial Security representative will meet you at the Fingerprint Office with your fingerprints cards. At this time, you will need your receipt from the Bursar's Office, a picture ID, Social Security card or documentation with your Social Security number (SSN).
      7. You are now ready to start your "clearance application."

Please Note: Applicants can only access the e-QIP system if they have been instructed to do so by an appropriate official at sponsoring agency.

Individuals cannot pre-apply for a security clearance, nor update their security questionnaire, unless granted access by an appropriate agency official. Please go to the e-QIP Gateway to begin the Investigation process. Review the Quick Reference Guide for the Applicant. When ready to proceed, click on the e-QIP applicant tab or getting started, this will verify your web-browser is compatible with the e-QIP program, also cookies must be enabled.

Steps to complete e-QIP application:

      Go to this website: https://www.opm.gov/e-qip/ A quick reference guide is available on the site.
      a. Click under e-QIP Applicant Site link for Investigations Processing.
      b. The program will check your computer for software requirements.
      c. You may have to change the some security settings, just follow the instructions.
      d. This will take you to "Golden Questions." When the program, asks you for city type in "UNKNOWN".
      e. You will then be asked to develop 3 questions to uniquely identify yourself.
      f. Be sure to Certify/Submit your form when form is complete and all data has been successfully validated. (Do not hit the final "SUBMIT" button until you print copies for the ISD Office and a copy for your records.)
      g. If you have questions, contact Shirley Jaramillo at 505-277-0625 or Deborah Kuidis at 505-277-0732.
      h. Enter your Social Security number and a password for your file. Please remember your password.
      i. Upon completion of your application, validate your file for errors and make the necessary corrections.
      j. Common errors are middle names - if you do not know the middle name enter "UNM". If there isn't a middle name enter "NMN". Dates are entered as follows: year, month, day - if you don't know the exact date, enter "??".
      k. You can also get help by going to e-qip FAQs.

NOTE: Be patient - security clearances take a long time to be processed and completed by the Defense Security Service. Requesting a National Agency Check (NAC) Investigation for Government Computer Access

To obtain a National Agency Check (NAC), to access government computers, follow the procedures above for a Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance will the exceptions listed below:

Requesting a Department of Energy (DOE) Clearance
All Department of Energy (DOE) clearances are handled through a DOE organization. They do not use the EPSQ. Please contact your sponsor for guidance.