Back Ground Investigation

This may be a completely stupid question, but bear with me, since I am new to this entire environment. How do you know if you are undergoing a back ground investigation. Does it start immediately after submitting the SF86? Or after taking the poly? When do you know it’s been started? Reason I ask is because I have been hearing that due to the shutdown many investigations are halted that have been scheduled to start after Oct 1st, and those that have started prior are good to go. I am trying to figure out where I am at right now. Thanks!

Whats your timeline? That may help. But most cases your background starts before taking the polygraph (Once your SF86 is submitted and approved). Or in rare cases it can start after you’ve successfully completed a polygraph with X agency.

Screening interview:Jan 2025

In person interview set 1: June 2025

In person interview set 2: July 2025

SF86: July 2025

Medical/psych/poly: August 2025

Finger Prints: September 2025