The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Vendor Screening Program was established in 2014 to ensure that vendors whose employees will be exposed to or have access to criminal justice information are screened using the standard set out in section 5.12 of the FBI CJIS Security Policy.

Criminal justice agencies can also choose to conduct their own background investigations following the same FBI standard. Background investigations conducted by local law enforcement agencies only apply to that agency. The agency must also keep records of all screened vendor companies and employees.

By using the BCA Vendor Screening Program, the vendor is able to provide services at any Minnesota agency where criminal justice information is processed. This dramatically reduces the time, cost and effort of undergoing multiple screenings.

Depending on local agency policies, it may be possible for the agency to provide escorted access to the vendor employee while awaiting background approval.

• View the current list of BCA-screened IT vendors and vendor products.
• See a BCA Vendor Screening Program flowchart for information on how the process works.
• Read FAQs regarding the BCA Vendor Screening Program.
• Get information on background check fees.

Vendor companies can contact the BCA Vendor Screening Unit at BCACJISSATScreening@state.mn.us to begin the process. Criminal justice agencies can view BCA-screened vendors and vendor-employees and check certification expiration dates in CJIS Online.