PSC Applauds Call to Action from GAO to Place Security Clearance Backlog on High Risk List

January 25, 2018

Arlington, V.A. (Jan. 25, 2018) —The Professional Services Council (PSC) welcomed the call to government action from today’s Government Accountability Office (GAO) announcement that the Office is adding the government-wide personnel security clearance process to its “High Risk List.” U.S. Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro said: "Our objective for the High Risk List is to bring attention to policymakers of the need for action sooner, rather than later.”

“Security clearance processes need to be better and faster,” said PSC president and CEO David J. Berteau. “We urge Congress and the executive branch to apply all necessary resources to reduce the backlog, increase security from the process, implement continuous evaluation government-wide, and achieve real reciprocity for government and contractor personnel.”

As of September 2017, at least 700,000 individuals remained in limbo awaiting a clearance to perform mission-critical work. The backlog remains a challenge for everyone impacted—the government, the military, and the contractor community—and jeopardizes government missions, contract performance, and the ability to recruit and hire. PSC has highlighted both the need for reforms and solutions that will help mitigate the negative consequences on government missions. Our recommendations include: 

• Modernizing and improving the investigation process; 
• Implementing and reporting on true reciprocity;
• Fully funding the programs that ensure investigations are thorough and timely;
• Providing accurate, up-to-date, and publicly-reported information on the size and scope of the backlog and the results of process improvements.

“At PSC, we are constantly advocating for actions to improve the process, reduce the backlog, and increase reciprocity to have sufficient cleared personnel to meet government needs. The nation requires no less,” Berteau said. 

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Media Contact: 
Ashlei Stevens
Director, Media Relations
703.875.8974 
stevens@pscouncil.org
About PSC: PSC is the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSC’s 400-member companies represent small, medium and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services of all kinds, including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more. Together, the trade association’s members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states. Follow PSC on Twitter @PSCSpeaks. To learn more, visit www.pscouncil.org.