“10.3 million independent contractors go to work in the United States every day; 90% of American companies neglect to run contractor screening and criminal checks on contractors.”
In today’s world it would be prudent for all businesses to conduct background checks on its employees prior to employment to help mitigate risks and stave off any potential problems. However, there are some industries where background screening requirements are of the utmost concern, specifically in situations where government agencies are hiring independent contractors.
All independent contractors need to be screened in order to work within a government agency. And any company that is contracted by the federal government that needs security clearance for sensitive information must also have its employees and contractors cleared.
Current government background screening agencies have had their fair share of scrutiny over the past year with the Washington Navy Yard shooter, Aaron Alexis, and former national security contractor, Edward Snowden. Questions have arisen over the screening process and what measures were taken to fully check their backgrounds.
Government Contractor Background Check Procedure
Government background checks contain some of the strictest searches around. They require extensive security questionnaires and fingerprinting, and include interviews with the candidates’ references.
With that being said, here are some background checks that most certainly need to be conducted when hiring all government independent contractors:
For all contractor candidates, human resources should, at least, be performing:
- National Criminal Background Check
- Certificate & License Check
- Social Security Number Verification
- Employment Verification
- Education Verification
- Reference Verification
- Drug Test
Once an independent contractor has been hired, a customized training program on company policies and safety procedures can be administered. Finally, once the contractor has been fully vetted, a company-branded identification badge with the contractor’s picture can be issued that will allow for access to a worksite.
For more information on hiring independent contractors, please contact eVerifile.