Security Clearance Backlog Attracts Renewed Scrutiny

It’s taking too long to conduct security clearances, so the process is again being added to the government’s list of “high risk” programs.

Being on the list indicates the program is in need of either broad-based transformation or specific changes to prevent waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, the Government Accountability Office said Jan. 25.

“A high-quality and timely personnel security clearance process is essential to minimize the risks of unauthorized disclosures of classified information and to help ensure that information about individuals with criminal histories or other questionable behavior is identified and assessed,” Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro said in ...