Due to concerns about long standing delays in the security clearance process, Congress mandated reforms in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which requires, among other things, that the executive branch report annually to Congress. The Office of Personnel Mgmt. conducts much of the government¿s clearance investigations. In 2007, the Dir. of National Intelligence and DoD established a Joint Reform Team to coordinate governmentwide improvement efforts for the process. This statement addresses: (1) progress in reducing delays at DoD; (2) opportunities for improving executive branch reports to Congress; and (3) the extent to which joint reform efforts reflect key factors for reform. Illustrations.

Due to concerns about long standing delays in the security clearance process, Congress mandated reforms in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), which requires, among other things, that the executive branch report annually to Congress. Since 2005, the Department of Defense's (DOD) clearance program has been on GAO's high-risk list due to delays and incomplete documentation. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducts much of the government's clearance investigations. In 2007, the Director of National Intelligence and DOD established a Joint Reform Team to coordinate governmentwide improvement efforts for the process. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) oversees these efforts. Based on two recent GAO reports, this statement addresses (1) progress in reducing delays at DOD, (2) opportunities for improving executive branch reports to Congress and (3) the extent to which joint reform efforts reflect key factors for reform. GAO independently analyzed DOD clearances granted in fiscal year 2008, assessed the executive branch's 2006-2009 reports to Congress, and compared three joint reform reports to key transformation practices. GAO previously recommended that OMB improve the transparency in executive branch reporting and establish a strategic framework. OMB concurred or partially concurred with these recommendations.

Personnel Security Clearances: Progress Has Been Made to Reduce Delays but Further Actions Are Needed to Enhance Quality and Sustain Reform Efforts

Due to concerns about long standing delays in the security clearance process, Congress mandated reforms in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), which requires, among other things, that the executive branch report annually to Congress. Since 2005, the Department of Defense's (DOD) clearance program has been on GAO's high-risk list due to delays and incomplete documentation. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducts much of the government's clearance investigations. In 2007, the Director of National Intelligence and DOD established a Joint Reform Team to coordinate government wide improvement efforts for the process. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) oversees these efforts.

Since Jan. 2005, the DoD¿s personnel security clearance program has been placed on the list of high-risk government programs and operations. This statement discusses the personnel security joint reform efforts. It addresses: (1) elements of the most recent security clearance reform efforts; and (2) the extent to which the recent reform efforts address key factors that should be considered in efforts to reform the security process. Also identifies best practices that agencies can use to successfully transform their cultures and, accordingly, can guide the implementation of these personnel security clearance reform efforts. Charts and tables.