GovernmentExecutive.com

Return to Article: Bush administration streamlines security clearance process

• 53718
  

  Look at my article of 5-15-08 on NextGov.com Forum, titled 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly' of the Federal Bureaucracy. The article talks about the 'ugliness' of the Government Security clearance process.

  Over the years many Federal Agencies have begun to handle their own personnel security investigations. This may have stemmed from a belief that their requirements were not being met or from a belief the existing security clearance process fell short in terms of rigorousness. Regardless of the reason, many Federal Agencies began budgeting and staffing for this work and the rest is history.

  In 2001, my Agency was consolidated in another Federal Department. As I transitioned, my security clearance was downgraded and a new clearance was required. Later on, I moved from one agency to another in the same Department and another clearance was required. In 2007, I moved to another Federal Department and once again a new security clearance was required. My new organization also required a polygraph and drug test. Shortly thereafter, I made a decision to retire from the Government and join a Federal contractor. As a Federal contractor, another security clearance had to be conducted and my polygraph had to be upgraded. Just recently, it was decided that I may start providing contract support for another Federal Agency which coincidently does not accept security clearances from the Federal Agency that conducted mine.

  In my opinion, the Government should establish a Federal Security Clearance Processing Center (SCPC) to handle all clearances, polygraphs and drug testing for the Federal Government. Federal Department and Agency budgets and staffing (including contractors) should be reduced the appropriate percentage to fully fund the SCPC and it should be Congressionally-mandated that all Federal Departments will use the SCPC. This would permit Federal employees to move anywhere in the government and their security clearances would follow them.

  Many senior Government insiders will disagree with my opinion but I believe most readers will agree something needs to be done. Many Federal employees will understand this issue and will undoubtedly have similar stories.

  Change the way the Federal Government handles security clearances and related processes and redirect the savings to the welfare of our great Nation.

  Fed Retiree Posted July 8, 2008 3:35 PM
• 53567
  

  If this is an about turf wars, they need to read this book Territorial Games: Understanding and Ending Turf Wars At Work

  Like everything, there is solution but people do not want to embrace the solution because they are lazy and they egos will be bruised. So what? You will benefit in the long term. Stop thinking so short term. It solves nothing

  Les Posted July 3, 2008 11:39 AM
• 53550
  

  Missed (not cited or apparently realized) by the previous comments is the fact that this new 6/30/2008 Executive Order ties together the need for reciprocity on both the National Security (clearances) and Suitability (non-clearance related) background investigations areas.

  It also bring in the nexus of PIV/Smart Card matters under HSPD-12 requirements.

  In addition, it finaly lays to rest the old Security Policy Board with the new Council and the Security and Suitability Agent concepts for ensuring collaborative continued enhancements progress are made.

  Finally, it brings into the mix, the concept of suitability of contract staff (of what is cited as contractor fitness on the non-security clearance side for all those contractors doing "Public Trust" like duties for which no security clearance is needed.

  John Alexander Posted July 3, 2008 9:36 AM
• 53516
  

  Sure.. Now it's fixed! I'll believe it when I see it. Bush says it's done, so it's done right? They've been trying to get this together for a decade but clearance processing times haven't been reduced even with OMB's claims they are improving.

  David Posted July 2, 2008 6:21 PM
• 53508
  

  This is hardly new. If I recall, President Clinton, by Executive Order, issued the same mandate. It was ignored then and I'm willing to bet this order will meet the same fate. It all comes down to a matter of trust. Agencies don't trust each other to conduct "proper" investigations and therefore conduct their own. In the same way, agencies don't share information as they are required to do. Each one is trying to protect their own little kingdom, orders of the President be hanged. After all, they know more then he does.

  David Turner Posted July 2, 2008 3:43 PM
• 53491
  

  utilizing the investigations already completed on current/former military members for civilian positions would be GREAT as a funding/time saver. Someone has it in their mind that military security investigations don't meet the standards of HSPD-12. Is that someone is receiving kickbacks to requiring duplicative investigations...by the contracted investigators?

  GSA Employee Posted July 2, 2008 12:10 PM
• 53482
  

  Agree with Been Around Awhile. Virtually same executive order was released in 2005 and the government is still have problems with many agencies, most specifically the FBI, CIA, and DHS regarding reciprocity. I for one possess a DOD clearance and am having to undergo a completely new investigation for FBI employment because the FBI refuses to accept DOD clerances....

  Agreed Posted July 2, 2008 11:09 AM
• 53469
  

  This is not the 1st attempt to direct security clearances be managed more efficiently. An Executive Order was issued in the mid 90's to dictate essentially the same changes. As Casey Stengel once said, "You could look it up."

  Been Around Awhile Posted July 2, 2008 9:45 AM
• 53460
  

  Speaking of wasting money, we in the VA are being required to fill out paper work to justify our existence. Everything we are being asked to reveal is already in our OPFs, or in my case my military records. As a Field Grade Officer I already hold a Secret clearance, so why do I need another clearance?

  LtCol James Moorhouse Posted July 2, 2008 2:35 AM