Backlog Blues
For two days in May, the issue of the burgeoning backlog of federal security clearance applications became a political hot potato in Washington.
IMAGE ILLUSTRATION 1It started when Office of Personnel Management officials
Demand for security clearances-from federal employees as well as contract workers-has risen significantly since Sept. 11, 2001. In fiscal 2003, it took 375 days on average for a Defense-related security clearance application to be approved according to the House Government Reform Committee, Defense had identified about 188,000 backlogged cases for private-sector workers as of the end of March 2004.
OPM had planned to address the problem in part by merging DSS into its operations. After review, however, an OPM official said the agency decided not to bring the unit under its umbrella. "DSS business practices were not up to the standard we hoped they were," says Stephen Benowitz, OPM's associate director of human resources, products and services.
The day after the agency's announcement, House lawmakers launched a blistering attack on Defense and OPM officials about the backlog, saying it would cost taxpayers more and provide less security.
SIDEBARQUOTE/UNQUOTE
"It's an airplane that costs $300 million a copy, and you still to it in the shade."
-A Pentagon official on overheating problems with the F/A-22 Raptor.
In addition, make sure to read these articles:
- OPM: Dept. of Homeland Security should include vets. (Security Beat).
- HOT SEAT
- U.S. Department of Labor.
- ON THE RECORD
- More Plum Positions
- Clearing the Air
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