Points_and_Payment_Schedule_-_june.docx

ATF, Personnel Security Program Points and Payment Schedule Investigations are paid on a point basis; the value of each point is $43.00 or an otherwise established rate as determined by ATF. A Letter of Instruction (LOI) will provide details as to the particular number and type of in-person leads to be conducted.

Security Interview

Rate: 6 points Each investigation will require an in-depth security interview with the Subject. If tasked, this interview should be the first thing accomplished in the case. Prior to the security interview, a Special Investigator (SI) must familiarize themselves with the background history and what issues are to be discussed in greater detail. SIs should ensure that:

1. The Subject’s identity is properly verified. The Subject must identify him/herself by presenting a government issued identification card, such as a State issued driver’s license or other Federal or State issued identification card. The type of identification card and its official number must be recorded and reported in the security interview section of the ATF ReportWriter (RW);

2. At the time of interview, the Subject must provide an original raised seal birth certificate, current U.S. passport or passport card to verify date and place of birth. The Subject’s original naturalization certificate should be viewed if the Subject was born and/or previously a citizen of another country. Remember a driver’s license does not verify this information and is used for identity verification only. However, verification of birth is usually not required when conducting a periodic reinvestigation, unless specifically scoped; the Report of Investigation (ROI) must be edited after the report is generated and converted to a Word document to include an expiration block;

3. The Subject must be advised of the Privacy Act of 1974; and

4. The security interview should be conducted at the Subject’s place of employment or other appropriate business location, such as an ATF office or library. Security interviews are not permitted in the Subject’s residence without prior approval from the Personnel Security Branch (PSB).

The security interview point rate takes into consideration the following items:

1. Preparation time before the interview (30 minutes to 1 hour);

2. The actual conduct of the interview (normally 1 to 2 hours);

3. Organization and development of your notes in preparation for typing the security interview (30 to 45 minutes); and

4. Typing, reporting and pages of security interview (1 to 2 hours).

Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Only Check

Rate: 1 point each The PSB may request a PIV only check in order to review two forms of identification on the Subject of investigation to verify their identity. When assigned a PIV only check, an SI must review the approved documents and complete and submit the PIV form upon completion. Since there is no corresponding ROI, an SI will not be compensated for report pages.

Public Record Verifications

Rate: 1 point each The PSB will request copies of court records for verification of items such as divorce, marriage, naturalization, bankruptcy, and other public records; only if required for the particular case. The only time SIs should initiate a court record search is when information is uncovered that the Subject was involved in criminal or civil litigation. Please contact the PSB prior to obtaining the court record.

SIs will be compensated at the rate of 1 point per court record reviewed. Ideally, copies should be made to assist in drafting the ROI, but a certified copy is not required unless requested.

Examples of required record reviews/verifications are:

1. Divorce decrees;

2. Bankruptcy; and/or

3. Civil or criminal court records, etc.

Education Verification

Rate: Possible total of 5 points Review and obtain a copy of the Subject’s transcript. Determine if there is a non-academic disciplinary or campus police/security file. (Basic requirements should take only 1 to 1 ½ hours to complete, if appointments are made).

SIs should attempt to interview academic sources only when instructed to do so by the PSB.

Transcript: 1 point Review the Subject’s transcript to ensure that information provided on the investigative questionnaire is accurate. Be sure to take good notes, the information must be summarized under the education caption (dates of attendance, cumulative GPA, major, degree granted and date, etc). A copy of the transcript must be submitted (faxed or scanned and sent via email) as an attachment to the ROI.

Disciplinary Record: 1 point Ask the registrar if there is any record of disciplinary action or academic hold on the record. The Dean of Students office would normally maintain such records.

Some schools maintain a Student Affairs or Student Services Office for disciplinary actions that do not affect the release of the transcript. Go to the appropriate office to determine if there is a disciplinary file.

Campus Police/Security Record: 1 point Check with the campus police/security office for any record.

When directed by the PSB, all three of the above offices must be contacted for each education verification at the college level. For high school, verification of attendance through office records will suffice.

Sources: 1 point Each If specifically scoped to obtain education sources, this will be reflected on the LOI and the investigative questionnaire. No more than 2 sources will ever be assigned.

Employment Record Rate: 1 point each Review of personnel/employment record to determine length of employment, job title, and salary plus review of evaluations (if any). If a record of reprimand exists, take good notes or ask to make a copy and include details in the ROI.

If employment cannot be verified via a personnel file, then corroborate it through the Subject’s records (e.g., earnings statements or W-2) or attempt to corroborate through a source. Contact the PSB for additional guidance.

Employment Sources

Rate: 1 point each For each employment that requires personal source interviews, the Subject’s supervisor and one co-worker must be interviewed and collectively cover the entire time period within scope. Arrange an appointment prior to arriving at the place of employment. If possible, review the files and interview employment sources on the same visit.

If derogatory information is developed at any stage in the investigation (related to that employment) and an SI returns to an employment to obtain additional sources covering the derogatory period, 1 point can be claimed for each additional source. However, the PSB must be contacted with regard to the derogatory information prior to interviewing additional sources.

Co-workers can be used under the employment caption or as developed sources, if they have social knowledge of the Subject. Do not list them twice (once under each caption). Determine where their statements are needed most.

Unofficial Supervisor File Reviews Rate: 1 point each When interviewing a supervisor, SIs must ask the supervisor if they retain an unofficial personnel or administrative file. If the supervisor confirms that such a file exists, the SI must ask the supervisor if the file contains any derogatory or other information that may be pertinent to the investigation. If the supervisor answers in the affirmative, the SI must then request access to review the file or the relevant information.

Internal Affairs (IA)/Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Rate: 1 point each When conducting employment checks at a law enforcement agency or Federal employment, any IA, OIG files/records must be reviewed, if they exist.

Security/Background Investigation File/Records

Rate: 1 point each When conducting an employment check at a State or local law enforcement agency, the SI must ask the employer if they retain a security or other type of background investigation file/record and review the file/record if it exists. If the employment is another Federal agency, the SI must check with PSB before reviewing the background investigation file to determine if that particular lead has already been satisfied by other investigative means.

Military Record

Rate: 1 point A review of military records is required for certain investigations. The review should include the name of the service, dates of active and/or reserve duty, type of discharge, rank at discharge and whether or not the file contained any disciplinary actions.

Listed References/Developed References

Rate: 1 point each SIs will be tasked to interview listed references and developed references. Both listed and developed references should have social knowledge of the Subject and collectively cover the scope of the investigation.

If additional references are needed to cover derogatory information, claim 1 point per reference. Once again, contact the PSB regarding derogatory information prior to conducting additional reference interviews. Keep in mind that developed references can be substituted for listed references if necessary.

Neighborhood Verification

Rate: 1 point per source The number of required neighborhood sources varies from case type and time residing at the location. It may require none, one or two. A point will be awarded for each required neighborhood source interviewed. Please review the specific neighborhood requirement under the case type for the actual number. If an SI is unsuccessful in locating a source after reasonable and exhaustive efforts have been made, then the neighborhood verification can be corroborated through other sources (i.e., listed neighborhood verifier). The ROI must contain justification and explanation of all attempts for un-obtained sources.

Rental Records: 1 point each Verification of residence through rental record is 1 point. All leased, rented, on-campus and on military property require a record review. Review the record for length of residence, payment history, and note any records of complaint(s). However, if no record is available, interview the landlord. A record review cannot be substituted for a neighborhood source.

Police Records

Rate: 1 point each Police checks are required in all locations where the Subject has lived, worked or gone to school (to include campus police checks) for 6 months or more in for most investigations and 4 months or more in others (length of scope varies). Police checks are also required for any jurisdiction that the Subject lists an arrest or conviction on the case papers within the total coverage period. The LOI will detail specific localities for each assignment based on the Subject’s investigative questionnaire.

Other Records/Other Official ATF Investigations

Rate: 1 point each In some instances, SIs will be tasked to cover additional records, such as U.S. Bankruptcy Court, State or local criminal or civil courts, etc. For naturalized citizens or registered aliens, the PSB occasionally requests a check with the local Immigration and Naturalization Service office to determine the location of the Subject’s (or spouse’s) alien file. If the file is maintained locally, a review must be conducted in person and 1 point can be claimed.

If the location of the file is outside of an SIs coverage area, the SI must provide the PSB with all pertinent information as soon as possible so the file review can be re-assigned to the appropriate SI. If attempts to review the record were made in person, claim 1 point; if by telephone, claim ½ point.

If tasked to conduct any portion of an official ATF investigation, 1 point can be claimed for any record check, file review, etc.

When an SI is tasked with interviewing a mental health professional or obtaining a record for review:

1. Always attempt to obtain the interview/record without mention of reimbursement to the mental health professional;

2. If the mental health professional requires reimbursement, inquire what that cost will be and what material/information will be provided to the SI; and

3. Contact the Investigations Team (IT) at (888) 594-8776 for guidance.

There is no avenue for ATF to pay a mental health professional for an interview or a record review; therefore, the SI will be requested to pay for the services, and obtain and submit a receipt when claiming the cost on the Request for Payment.

Creditors Rate: 1 point each On occasion SIs may be requested to contact creditors regarding the Subject’s account standing. This will usually involve providing, either in person or by mail or fax, a signed release to the creditor in order to obtain account balance and other information.

Report of Investigation

Rate: $13.25 per page Each page of the ROI will be compensated at $13.25 or other established rate as determined by ATF. If the last page of the ROI consists of only a few sentences, plus the Miscellaneous section, that page will not be compensated. Payment applies only to those pages generated by the ATF ReportWriter program. The security interview is NOT compensated; the 6 points obtained for the security interview include reimbursement for pages typed.

Mileage

Rate: Standard government rate as established by the General Services Administration or by the discretion of the PSB.

Each mile driven will be reimbursed in accordance with the established government rate. The PSB will notify SIs of any rate changes via Personnel Investigative Notice and/or email.

Inordinate Travel

Rate: 1 point per 40 miles of non-stop driving Some cases will require inordinate travel. Inordinate travel is defined as 40 or more miles driven in one direction until reaching a destination with no stops along the way. A point can be claimed for each 40 mile segment driven, rounded to the nearest ½ point. Local travel around destination is not included as inordinate mileage.

Example 1: Drive from Ellicott City, MD to Ladysmith, VA; a total distance of 120 miles and 120 miles for the return trip home. Add the two segments together; totaling 240 miles. Divide 240 by 40; accounting for a total of 6 inordinate mileage points. Travel in and around Ladysmith, VA is not included as inordinate travel.

Example 2: Drive 95 miles and arrive at the furthest employment identified on the investigative questionnaire for verification. Review records and interview sources; drive 13 miles in and around that location. Then drive to another employment 68 miles in the direction of residence. Arrive at the second employment, review records and interview sources; drive 35 miles in and around that location. Next, drive another 70 miles until residence is reached. In this case you would add up all of the segments that are over 40 miles and divide by 40. Add 95+68+70 = 233, divide 233 by 40 = 5.825; round to the nearest ½ point (0.5); accounting for a total of 6 points of inordinate travel.

Remember, the standard government rate per mile is paid for all miles driven, including those claimed as inordinate travel.

Priority Cases

Rate: 1 to 17 Points The LOI will identify a “Response Type” of either routine or priority. Due dates for routine cases are 7 or 25 days, depending upon the type of assigned leads. Due dates for priority cases are 7 or 14 days. The response type is determined by the PSB and based on the need to expedite the particular investigation. In order to qualify for additional priority points, the case must be submitted on time and error free. SIs must open assignment emails upon receipt and begin the investigation immediately upon assignment to meet due date deadlines. Failure to comply could result in non payment of priority points. Priority points are awarded based on the total number of investigative points earned during the investigation, not including inordinate travel and/or administrative points. Cases designated as a priority will be compensated based on the following scale:

Administrative Points

Rate: 1 to 5.5 points Administrative points will be determined and paid by the PSB for all assignments greater than 3 points. Administrative points are defined as additional points paid for time lost and other delays caused by uncontrollable circumstances. Administrative points are assigned after a review of the completed ROI, LOI, and Request for Payment. Administrative points are awarded based on the total investigative points earned during the investigation, not including inordinate travel and/or priority points. In order to receive administrative points, the ROI must be submitted by the due date. Administrative points are compensated as follows:

Telephone Interviews

Rate: ½ point each Although the PSB discourages telephone interviews, due to scheduling conflicts and other circumstances, they may be necessary from time to time. All interviews conducted by telephone will be compensated at a ½ point each. The security interview cannot be conducted by telephone.

Training

Training Rate: No compensation The PSB does not currently reimburse for training; however the PSB, reserves the right to review new training courses and provide compensation if deemed appropriate.

PIV Card

Initial PIV Card Setup Rate: 1 point, plus mileage SIs will be reimbursed for the initial PIV card step-up.

PIV Personal Identification Number (PIN) Reset Rate: No Compensation If at any time, an SI must have their PIV Card PIN reset, reimbursed will not b provided for the time or travel associated with having the PIN reset.

PIV Card Re-Certifications/Updates Rate: No Compensation SIs will be responsible for having the PIV card re-certified and updated at their own expense.

ATF Laptop/Technology Issues

Initial Pickup and Setup Rate: 1 point, plus mileage An SI will be compensated for the initial laptop pickup and setup. SIs will be provide and LOI and may submit a Request for Payment for 1 point plus mileage. If unforeseen technical issues occur during the initial setup, the SI must document their issues and time associated with resolution of the issue. The PSB will review the documentation and may provide additional compensation.

Technical Issues Rate: 1 point for the first 3 hours, 1 point for each additional hour plus mileage In the event that an SI must travel to an ATF field office to diagnose and/or resolve technical issues related to the ATF laptop, the SI must first notify the PSB and receive approval before traveling. The PSB reserves the right to deny compensation if the SI fails to notify the PSB prior to traveling to the field office.

Negligence/Improper Use Rate: No Compensation If the damage or technical issues are incurred due to improper use or negligence of the SI, the SI will not be compensated for their time or travel related to issue resolution. The SI may be held personally liable to replacement of equipment if the property is lost, stolen or damaged due to negligence.

Travel Duty Status (TDY)

When travel beyond the SI’s standard coverage area is necessary, and when specifically authorized in order to complete an assignment, ATF will provide reimbursement. All travel outside of the SI’s coverage area must be pre-approved by the PSB in order to be compensated. The SI must keep and submit all receipts along with the Request for Payment in order to receive compensation.

ATF will reimburse for the following:

· Government per diem rates and expenses for travel (airfares must be coach or business class, whichever is less);

· Government per diem rates and expenses for lodging accommodations;

· Mileage expenses to and from transportation carrier (e.g., airport, train station, etc.);

· Meals and incidentals: per diem rates; 75% for first and last day of travel and 100% for full day on travel;

· Rental car and fuel charges;

· Taxi fares;

· Half (½) point per hour while in transit to and from destination; and

· Miscellaneous expenses and fees: baggage fees, lodging taxes, internet connection, etc.

· The SI may request, but must receive approval to use their personal automobile to travel to the destination. Once the SI has traveled beyond the required coverage area (200 miles), a half (½) point will be paid, per hour, the SI is in transit plus the standard mileage reimbursement rate; and

· Local travel in and round town will be paid at the standard mileage reimbursement rate.

ATF will not reimburse for the following:

· Time spent waiting at transportation carrier (e.g., airport, train station, etc.), including layovers; and

· Travel time to and from transportation carrier (e.g., airport, train station, etc.).

If unforeseen circumstances or unexpected expenses occur, that are not documented above, the SI must keep all receipts and document the information in the Request for Payment. The PSB will review the documentation and determine if reimbursement is applicable.

Per diem rates shall correspond with current Federal rates. The SI must review the General Services Administration website for the current per diem rates for the travel locality. SIs must make every effort to obtain the government rate for lodging. If unable to secure the government rate, the SI must contact the PSB and request approval to exceed the local per diem rate. SIs must utilize which ever mode of transportation is in the best interest of the government.

Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the SI and under no circumstances, will monetary advances be made by ATF for anticipated or scheduled travel.

General and Business Expenses

SIs will be reimbursed for reasonable and ordinary expenses incurred in the performance of their assignments, such as tolls, parking fees, and fees for obtaining court documents, etc.

SIs will not be reimbursed for business expenses such as office space, office materials (paper, pens, printer toner). SIs are also responsible for purchase all equipment as required in the Statement of Work (printers, scanners, facsimile machine, etc.). These expenses must be purchased by the SI and considered business expenses.

If an SI has any questions related to approved and non-approved expenses, they should contact the PSB for guidance.

- 2 -