No, there is no direct charge for performing your “e-QIP” background investigation. There will, however, be expenses incurred to obtain your fingerprints and to acquire your FEMA Contractor badge.  You will be reimbursed by Vanguard IS for any expenses incurred according to the Vanguard IS Travel Policy "e-QIP” Background Investigation reimbursement guidelines.  If you are charged a fee for fingerprinting, a receipt is required for reimbursement.

There is no formal notification of your “e-QIP” background investigation being complete as it is ongoing and subject to periodic review by FEMA Security.  The issuing of your FEMA Contractor badge is a conditional issuance, meaning it will remain active and you will remain eligible for deployment until either your badge expires or FEMA identifies adverse background information resulting in the revocation of your badge.

There is no set time for you interview. It could be one month, six months or more after receiving your badge as it depends on the availability of the investigator assigned to do your interview.  The investigator will contact you directly to set up a time and place to meet for the interview.  You must respond promptly to avoid possible revocation of your FEMA Contractor badge.

Your FEMA Contractor badge is typically good for 5 years, however the DHS electronic chip in your badge will expire 3 years after your badge issue date. You will be contacted by Vanguard IS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) badging personnel by email before your badge chip expires providing instructions on how to have your chip reactivated to maintain your eligibility for deployment.

Upon receiving a “favorable” determination from a pre-screening of your background information, you will become eligible to receive your FEMA Contractor badge. Upon notification of approval from FEMA Security, Vanguard IS will contact you to assist you in acquiring your FEMA Contractor badge.

Once you have submitted the required information to your Security Specialist, it takes on average approximately 2 – 4 weeks to receive a determination from FEMA Security. It could be shorter or longer, depending on the unique background information for each individual. Once a determination is reached, you will be notified by either FEMA, Vanguard IS or both.

FEMA Security will give you 10 days to complete and submit your information. Please note the due date specified in your “e-QIP” instruction email. Contact your Security Specialist right away if you have any concerns over meeting the due date. Failure to meet the due date or communicate with your Security Specialist before your due date will result in your investigation becoming “non-compliant” and you will be unable to proceed for 90 days.

The name and contact information for your Security Specialist will be included in your “e-QIP” instruction email (referenced above) It is important that you retain that information as this is the person you will need to contact if you have questions or need assistance in completing your e-QIP” process.