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## GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SF85P QUESTIONNAIREAnswer each question honestly and completely. The U.S. Government relies on the information you provide to determine whether you are suitable for Federal employment and/or eligible for a security clearance. Your suitability or eligibility depends on your conduct and candor in answering these questions. An incomplete or false answer to any question could delay processing, may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. It could also result in criminal prosecution.**PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT**Authority: This information is solicited under Executive Order 10450, as amended; Executive Order 12968, as amended; Executive Order 13526, as amended; Executive Order 13587, as amended; 5 U.S.C. 3301; 5 U.S.C. 7311; 5 U.S.C. 7532; 42 U.S.C. 2165; and Public Law 108-458. Purpose: The U.S. Government, consistent with its responsibilities for protecting the national security, evaluates the trustworthiness of persons who are applicants for employment in the Executive Branch, or who are already employed in the Executive Branch. The information you provide will be used as part of the overall background investigation to determine your eligibility for employment or a security clearance. Routine Uses: The information you provide may be disclosed to Federal, State, local, and foreign governmental agencies; to sources and contractors who are conducting investigation or background checks for the U.S. Government; to law enforcement agencies; to authorized persons in connection with administrative proceedings; and to others, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the routine uses identified in the OPM/GOVT-1, Investigation Records System of Records Notice and the OPM/GOVT-2, Personnel Investigations Records System. Disclosure: Providing this information is voluntary; however, failure to provide all or any part of the requested information may delay processing or may result in a determination that you are not eligible for employment or a security clearance.**TIME PERIOD**Unless otherwise specified, you should answer all questions as completely as possible, covering as far back in time as possible. However, for the questions on illegal drug involvement, gambling activities, financial problems, alcohol consumption, and mental health counseling, you are required to provide information for the last seven (7) years, dating back from the date you sign this form. For questions related to criminal history and military service, you must provide information covering your entire lifetime.**HOW TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS**Answer "yes" or "no" to each question. If you answer "yes" to any question, you must provide explanatory details in Section 12. Your response must include the following information, where applicable:*   The name and address of the person, organization, or other entity involved.*   The dates and places of the events.*   Why you think it happened. (If you do not know why, state that you do not know.)*   State exactly WHAT you did or WHAT happened.**CHRONOLOGICAL PROTOCOL FOR DETAILING EVENTS**Report information in chronological order. If space is limited, provide the most recent or relevant information first. Also include all relevant documentation. You can use plain white paper if more space is needed.