QUANTICO, Va. – The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is expanding Rap Back enrollment to the broader industry population following successful completion of a pilot program with select early adopters. This marks a significant milestone in the implementation of Trusted Workforce 2.0 (TW 2.0) and the transition to a continuous vetting (CV) framework that enhances national security.

What is Rap Back?

Rap Back stands for Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back. It is a service provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that enables real-time notification of changes to an individual’s criminal record. Using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), Rap Back retains fingerprints for comparison against other fingerprints in the FBI database.

As part of the TW 2.0 CV framework, Rap Back ensures that cleared individuals’ records are continuously reviewed during their eligibility period, streamlining operations and reducing administrative costs. This proactive approach strengthens personnel vetting and mitigates risks to national security.

Why is Rap Back Important?

The requirement for Rap Back enrollment stems from the January 15, 2021, Executive Correspondence issued by the Director of National Intelligence and the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management, “Transforming Federal Personnel Vetting: Continuous Vetting and Other Measures to Expedite Reform and Transition to Trusted Workforce (TW) 2.0.”  This correspondence outlined a phased approach for transitioning the Executive Branch from periodic reinvestigations to the TW 2.0 CV framework. Rap Back is a cornerstone of this transition, ensuring continuous monitoring of cleared personnel to maintain eligibility for access to classified information.

Phased Implementation Plan

Given the size of the industry population, DCSA is implementing Rap Back enrollment through a phased approach:

Phase 1: Rap Back Ready Population

• Who: Industry personnel with fingerprints on file with DCSA from May 6, 2018, to present.

• Cost: No cost to industry.

• Timeline: Begins April 1, 2026, following verification that FBI advisements have been administered.

• Industry Action: Distribute FBI advisements to all cleared employees and maintain documentation for potential audits.

  • Acknowledge back to DCSA that advisements have been sent using the form.

Phase 2: Rap Back Available Population

• Who: Industry personnel with fingerprints on file with the FBI from June 2010 to present.

• Cost: No cost to industry.

• Timeline: Begins after Phase 1 completion.

• Industry Action: No immediate action required during this phase.

Phase 3: Remaining Industry Personnel

• Who: Industry personnel without fingerprints on file.

• Cost: Potential cost to industry for fingerprinting.

• Timeline: To be determined. DCSA will provide advance notice for budgeting and planning.

• Industry Action: Prepare for future fingerprinting requirements.

What Industry Needs to Do Now

DCSA and the FBI will handle technical enrollments for personnel with fingerprints already on file. However, facility security officers play a critical role in communication and administration:

1. Distribute FBI Advisements:

• Provide the following advisements to all cleared employees associated with your SMO/CAGE Code:

  • FBI Privacy Act Notice

  • Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights

• Maintain documentation of advisement distribution for potential audits. This process must be completed by April 1, 2026.

  • It is important to note that while providing the advisement is mandatory, there is no requirement for personnel to sign the form. Consider documenting the distribution method and date for internal records.

2. Update Onboarding Procedures:

• Integrate FBI advisements into onboarding processes for new personnel.

3. Acknowledge Completion:

• Please click on the following link when the FBI advisements have been distributed to your employees and provided the information being requested to acknowledge completion: [FBI Advisements Acknowledgment].

Looking Ahead

DCSA is committed to transparency and collaboration as we expand Rap Back enrollments. We understand that industry may have questions about policies and procedures, and we are working to provide clarity through future communications, including FAQs.

This expansion is a critical step in aligning with TW 2.0 and ensuring the trusted workforce pipeline remains strong and resilient. Together, we are building a more secure future for our nation.