SF 328. Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests
The SF 328 Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests is a form used by the US Government to collect information from individuals who are seeking security clearances for positions that involve access to classified information. The primary purpose of this form is to identify any foreign interests or affiliations that could pose a risk to national security.
The form consists of several parts, including a certification section and a reporting section. The reporting section requires the disclosure of foreign contacts, foreign travel, and foreign business interests. There are also several important fields that must be completed, including the applicant's name, position, and agency.
The parties involved in the completion of this form are the individuals seeking security clearances and the US Government agencies responsible for granting those clearances.
When compiling the form, applicants will need to provide detailed information about any foreign interests or affiliations they may have, including foreign business ventures, foreign travel, and foreign contacts. Additionally, applicants may be required to attach additional documents such as passports and visas.
Application examples of this form include individuals seeking security clearances for positions in government agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the Central Intelligence Agency.
The benefits of this form are that it helps to identify any potential risks to national security posed by foreign interests or affiliations. However, the challenges and risks involved in completing this form include the potential for personal information to be misused or leaked.
Related forms include the SF 86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions, which is used to collect additional information from individuals seeking security clearances. An alternative form is the SF 312 Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement, which is used to ensure that individuals with access to classified information understand their responsibilities to protect that information.
The completion of this form can impact the future of the participants by potentially affecting their ability to obtain security clearances for sensitive government positions.
The form is submitted to the appropriate US Government agency responsible for granting security clearances and is stored in a secure database.