How do I register for an Automated Background Check System (ABCS) account?

On December 18, 2016, you must use the HHS Enterprise Portal to get access to ABCS. The HHS Enterprise Portal is here: https://hhsportal.hhs.state.tx.us/iam/portal/Home.

To register for an HHS Enterprise Portal account, you will need your organization's tax ID number or the organization name. Once you have been approved for an HHS Enterprise Portal account, you will receive an email containing your username and a temporary password.

You must log in to the HHS Enterprise Portal again to finalize account registration, then complete the additional steps to get access to ABCS. Once approved, you will receive an email letting you know you have access to ABCS. 

Step-by-step guidance on accessing ABCS can be found in the resource:  Requesting Access to ABCS located at the ABCS webpage.

What should I do if I forget my password for ABCS?

You may reset your password by going to the HHS Enterprise Portal and clicking the Forgot Password link. Then follow the prompts to reset your password.

If you need help with this, you may contact the HHS Enterprise Portal Help Desk at (512) 438-4720.

I submitted a background check request but have not yet received the results. How can I get more information on the status of the request?

Once a background check has been submitted, a record of the most recent background check will be viewable on the Active Background Check History Records tab on the ABCS Home page for the contract.  You can view the status, as well as additional details about the individual's background check, by clicking on an individual’s name on either the Active or Inactive background check history records tabs.

If you need more information, please send an email to Ask Background Checks.

Who will receive the results of background check requests?

In most cases, if the person who initiated the background check is eligible to receive background check results, that person gets an email with the results. Otherwise background check notices will be sent to the main email address for the contract.

How do I upload a document through ABCS?

There are two ways to upload documents:

  • By clicking the link in the Action Required result notification email; or
  • By clicking the Upload button on background check history page for an individual in ABCS.

Refer to the ABCS user guide for complete instructions on uploading documents.

Is there an expiration date on the temporary password and user ID sent from HHS?

There is no expiration date for the temporary password provided by HHS to complete registration.

How long does it take before ABCS times out?

You will be timed out after 30 minutes of inactivity. There will be a pop-up window that displays with a countdown prior to timing out where you can select an option to continue your session.

What happens when someone who previously had a background check cannot access the ABCS Portal?

To access the ABCS portal, the individual will need to ensure that his or her background check has been done in ABCS within the last 24 months for the specific contract to which the person wants access. A user’s access to the specific contract in ABCS will be suspended because his or her background check was inactivated. Once a new background check is submitted, the individual can be re-added to the contract from the drop-down user list, to be added to the contract user list in ABCS.

What should be entered if a person does not have a SSN?

If an individual does not have a SSN, an alternate ID type and number needs to be entered in ABCS in the appropriate fields. Those ID Types include:

  • Canadian SIN
  • License Number
  • Military ID
  • Passport Number
  • Permanent Residency Card Number
  • State Photo ID Number

Last updated: September 10, 2019