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Title VI
—
Security Clearances in the
Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2019
This title indicates the national urgency of reforming the security clearance process as it bears on government and contract personnel alike; implements specific reforms; and requires more direct accountability from the executive branch on improvements. These provisions build on the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and subsequent IAAs.
601.
Definitions.
Defines key terms used in the Title.
602.
Reports and Plans Relating to Security Clearances and Background Investigations
Requires the OMB-led interagency Performance Accountability Council (PAC) provide plans to (1) reduce the background
investigation inventory to 200,000 by the end of 2019 (today it’s over
700,000), and (2) consolidate the background investigation function between the National Background Investigation Bureau and the Department of Defense (this is the Administration plan).
Requires the Council to provide a report on the desired future of the clearance process to reflect current threats, the mobile workforce, and modern technologies
603.
Improving the Process for Security Clearances
Requires the DNI as the
government’s
Security Executive Agent to reexamine the SF-86 questionnaire and the adjudicative standards; to expand innovative technique for investigative interviews; and employ continuous evaluation to displace the need for time-based periodic reinvestigations; and
Requires policies on interim clearances; consistent treatment between government and contract employees; and use of automated records checks from previous employers.
604.
Goals for Security Clearances.
Requires the interagency Performance Accountability Council lead implementation to meet goals that:
90 percent of SECRET clearances be processed within 30 days,