Security Clearance Investigation Challenges and Reforms
PURPOSE:
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To discuss the merits of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) plan to transfer the background investigation function from Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) National Background Investigation Bureau (NBIB) back to DOD.
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To examine recent reports on problems with interim clearance investigations, improper adjudications, and potential reforms to the investigation process.
BACKGROUND:
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The DOD released a plan in August 2017 to initiate a transfer of background investigations for DOD personnel from the NBIB at the OPM to Defense Security Services (DSS).
- While DOD intends to reduce the current investigation backlog, critics claim the transfer will worsen the backlog.
- Recent inspector general and media reports have described deficiencies in the clearance process, including agencies granting interim clearances to individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Witnesses and testimonies
| Name | Title | Organization | Panel | Document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. William Evanina | Director, National Counterintelligence and Security Center | Office of the Director of National Intelligence | Document | |
| Mr. Charles Phalen | Director, National Background Investigations Bureau | Office of Personnel Management | Document | |
| Mr. Garry Reid | Director of Defense Intelligence, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence | Department of Defense | Document | |
| Mr. A.R. "Trey" Hodgkins III | Information Technology Alliance for Public Sector | Document |