Quick Summary
This policy outlines when background investigations are required for all DOM Workers, including employees, contractors, and other individuals with access to State of Iowa systems or information. It establishes the conditions, frequency, and review process for background checks to ensure individuals meet minimum standards before being granted access. Non‑compliance may result in disciplinary action.
Policy Number: ISEC.1403.01.I
Policy Type: Department of Management (DOM) Internal Policy
Authority: Iowa Code section 8.78
Effective Date: July 10, 2026
Review Date: July 9, 2027
1. Summary
This policy explains when and how background investigations are required for Department of Management Workers (“DOM Workers”). These checks help protect State of Iowa systems and information by ensuring that individuals with access meet minimum qualifications.
2. Who This Policy Applies To
This policy applies to all Department of Management (DOM) employees, regardless of the type of information they access. Additionally, this policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of DOM, including contractors, vendors, interns, board members, and any other non-employee personnel who:
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Access State of Iowa-managed systems, facilities, networks, or information, regardless of data classification, or
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Perform information technology (IT), operational, administrative, or criminal justice information (CJI) work for DOM, or
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Support, manages, maintain, or can influence DOM systems, programs, data, or business processes.
For purposes of this policy, all such individuals are referred to as “DOM Workers.”
3. Actions and Responsibilities
DOM Workers covered by this policy must complete a background investigation as a condition of employment or engagement. Background investigations will be based on the individual’s role and level of access to systems or information.
Background investigations will be required:
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After a job offer is made.
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At least once every five years from the last background check.
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When vendor personnel are granted access to sensitive systems or information.
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When a workforce member joins DOM through an employee-sharing agreement and will access sensitive systems or information.
Background checks may include:
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Verification of past employment.
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Reference checks.
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Criminal history checks at the national, state, and local levels.
Access to sensitive systems or information will only be granted after a favorable background check is completed and documented.
Results and Review
Background investigation results will be reviewed to determine eligibility for employment or engagement. Individuals may be disqualified based on certain criminal offenses or other findings.
DOM will notify individuals of any adverse decision and provide an opportunity to respond or contest the findings, following DOM HR procedures.
All background check results will be treated as confidential and retained according to applicable laws and regulations.
Current DOM Workers may be asked to complete a new background check at any time. Refusal to sign the required authorization form may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
4. Questions and Exceptions
DOM Workers may request clarification or seek an exception to this policy by contacting DOM’s HR Bureau, HR@dom.iowa.gov.
5. Compliance and Enforcement
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action consistent with human resources (HR) policy and contractual authority.
6. Document Ownership & Approval
Document Owner: DOM CyberGUARD (Information Security Policy) Architect
DOM Director Approval: July 10, 2026
Distribution Date: July 2026, publicly available
Last Revision Date: N/A
Supporting Documentation: Department of Management (DOM) Background Investigation Procedure and Audit Controls (Internal-only)