PSC: Professional Services Council
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
News
December 11, 2009
Security Clearance Legislation Will Get People Working Faster, Speed
Economic Recovery, PSC Says
Washington, D.C. —The Professional Services Council (PSC) has expressed its support for bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) and George V. Voinovich (R-OH), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Government Management Subcommittee, that will help put people to work on behalf of the American taxpayers in less time.
The Security Clearance Modernization and Reporting Act of 2009 (S. 2834), which the Senators introduced on December 3, 2009, seeks to eliminate delays in the security clearance process that have been a barrier to getting people to work on some of the nations most complex missions, in the government and private sector alike. A streamlined process will ensure the process does not hamper efforts.
“This legislation recognizes the importance of timely and reciprocal clearance processing for the multi-sector workforce. Its passage would allow everyone working to meet America’s critical mission needs—including the Armed Forces, civilian government and contractor employees—to achieve their goals faster,” said Stan Soloway, PSC President and CEO.
This new legislation is in line with the consistent “Four Ones” theme that PSC and others have adopted regarding the clearance process: one application, one investigation, one adjudication and one clearance recognized across government.
”The clearance process has been a challenge for too long” said Soloway. “It causes program and other delays and has a real impact of government performance.”
The bill specifically establishes a new Security Clearance and Suitability Performance Accountability Council to ensure alignment of investigative and adjudicative processes and to ensure policies for reciprocal recognition of clearances. The panel would be chaired by OMB and, as a minimum, would include ONDI, DOD and OPM. The Security Clearance and Suitability Performance Accountability Council is required to develop a strategic plan identifying corrective actions regarding the issuance of security clearances within 90 days of the enactment of the bill.
Letters of support to Sens. Akaka and Voinovich are available here.
