Cooperation in Federal Background Investigations

Definitions

Authorization for Release of Information (aka General Release)

There is an Authorization for Release of Information associated with every complete investigation conducted by the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB). When applicants, employees or contractors of the Federal government require a background investigation for potential or continued employment they must fill out a specific Standard Form in accordance with their potential or current position. Each Standard Form has a General Release associated with it that the applicant may sign electronically or with pen and ink.

Authorization for Release of Medical Information (aka Medical Release)

The Authorization for Release of Medical Information is used when applicants, employees or contractors of the Federal government require a background investigation for potential or continued employment. Individuals must fill out a specific Standard Form in accordance with their potential or current position. Each Standard Form has a General Release associated with it that the individual may sign electronically or with pen and ink.

Standard Form (SF)

This is the hardcopy or electronic version of the Standard Form used to collect investigative data from the applicant, employee or contractor of the Federal government. There are currently four different Standard Forms in use (SF 85, SF 85P, SF 85P-S, and SF 86). The specific Standard Form used depends on the risk and sensitivity designation of the position of the applicant, employee or contractor of the Federal government.