Which part of the CFR governs the designation, investigation, and adjudication of National Security positions?

Which part of the CFR governs the designation, investigation, and adjudication of National Security positions?

• A. 5 CFR Part 731
• B. 5 CFR Part 736
• C. 5 CFR Part 732
• D. 5 CFR Part 730

Answer: (C)

5 CFR Part 732 governs the designation, investigation, and adjudication of National Security positions. It defines which positions are considered National Security positions and the level of background investigation required to access classified information. It also lays out the process for agencies to designate a position as National Security, initiate the appropriate investigation, and perform adjudication to determine whether an individual may hold that position or have access to sensitive information. Adjudication applies standardized criteria to assess trustworthiness, reliability, and allegiance based on the investigation and other relevant information, deciding whether access should be granted, denied, or conditioned. This framework ensures a consistent, federal-wide approach to vetting for high-risk roles and sets the cadence for reinvestigations to maintain eligibility. Other CFR parts cover related but different aspects of federal employment and security procedures, but they do not govern the full designation–investigation–adjudication process for National Security positions in a single provision.

5 CFR Part 732 governs the designation, investigation, and adjudication of National Security positions. It defines which positions are considered National Security positions and the level of background investigation required to access classified information. It also lays out the process for agencies to designate a position as National Security, initiate the appropriate investigation, and perform adjudication to determine whether an individual may hold that position or have access to sensitive information. Adjudication applies standardized criteria to assess trustworthiness, reliability, and allegiance based on the investigation and other relevant information, deciding whether access should be granted, denied, or conditioned. This framework ensures a consistent, federal-wide approach to vetting for high-risk roles and sets the cadence for reinvestigations to maintain eligibility. Other CFR parts cover related but different aspects of federal employment and security procedures, but they do not govern the full designation–investigation–adjudication process for National Security positions in a single provision.