What is the primary focus of a Tier 3 federal investigation?

The primary focus of a Tier 3 federal investigation is indeed on positions requiring Confidential, Secret, or Department of Energy "L" access. This tier of investigation is designed to evaluate individuals who have access to sensitive information and resources that could potentially harm national security if compromised.

A Tier 3 investigation delves deeply into an individual's background, including their personal conduct, relationships, and habits, to assess their trustworthiness and reliability in handling classified information. This thorough examination is critical for positions that have a significant impact on national interests and security.

In contrast, positions requiring moderate or high-risk public trust or those designated as critical-sensitive or special-sensitive might be covered under different investigation tiers, each tailored to the level of risk associated with access to sensitive materials. The different tiers reflect varying levels of scrutiny appropriate for the specific access and responsibilities tied to the position. Thus, understanding the implications of each tier is essential for personnel security.