Which organization primarily conducts personnel security evaluations?

The organization that primarily conducts personnel security evaluations is the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This is because OPM has the responsibility for overseeing the security clearance process for federal employees and contractors. OPM's role includes assessing the background and suitability of individuals for positions that require access to sensitive or classified information. They develop and implement guidelines and policies to ensure thorough investigations are carried out, which are critical in maintaining the integrity and security of government operations.

The work of OPM involves extensive background checks, which assess various aspects such as criminal history, credit history, and personal conduct, all vital in determining an individual's reliability and trustworthiness. The evaluations are not only limited to granting security clearances but also play a crucial role in protecting national security interests.

Other organizations, while they may be involved in security matters, typically do not conduct personnel security evaluations to the extent or in the manner that OPM does. For instance, the Department of Labor focuses on workplace issues and labor relations, the Department of Justice deals primarily with law enforcement and legal matters, and the National Security Agency is primarily tasked with intelligence and cybersecurity operations. Their functions, while important, do not include the comprehensive personnel security evaluations handled by OPM.