DNI Assigned to Oversee All Security Clearance Policy
July 1st, 2008 by Steven AftergoodThe Director of National Intelligence will oversee security clearance investigations and related policies on access to classified information for all federal agencies, according to an executive order issued yesterday by President Bush.
The move appears to significantly augment the authority of the DNI since it extends his reach to personnel policies and security clearances that are unrelated to intelligence information.
“The Director of National Intelligence … shall direct the oversight of investigations and determinations of eligibility for access to classified information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position made by any agency,” the order stated.
(A “sensitive position,” as defined in a 1953 executive order, is one whose “occupant … could bring about, by virtue of the nature of the position, a material adverse effect on the national security.”)
The DNI was made “responsible for developing uniform and consistent policies and procedures” for security clearance investigations and adjudications government-wide.
The new executive order also reiterates the familiar requirement of security clearance “reciprocity,” i.e. that “background investigations and adjudications shall be mutually and reciprocally accepted by all agencies.”
Illustrating why this requirement has never been satisfactorily implemented, the new order firmly prohibits agencies from imposing their own additional security requirements but then, in the very same sentence, allows exceptions for polygraph testing or, more generally, “to protect national security.”
See “Reforming Processes Related to Suitability for Government Employment, Fitness for Contractor Employees, and Eligibility for Access to Classified National Security Information,” Executive Order 13467, June 30, 2008.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Note that the Executive Order again confuses “suitability” issues generally with personnel security (i.e. eligibility for classified information). This means in effect that all — and I mean all — federal employees must undergo what amounts to a full, not just limited background investigation. It also proves conclusively that NO ONE understands the law or the current system. Every federal employee does NOT have to be part of the National Security State.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 am
The executive order does not change the current process concerning suitability or security. Security investigations are distinctly different in coverage and scope from suitability investigations. When Security investigations are run they are much more in depth. Suitablity is part and parcel of Security but the reverse is not true. OPM has done sutiability investigations since it’s inception. Security investigations are a relatively new and foreign concept to them.
The most interesting item in this whole mess is the fact that someone finally recognized there is a distinct difference in the two types of investigations. It remains to be seen what the semi-literate morons who are actually charged with implementing the changes will do to the program.
There is little doubt some kind of background check must be done on people for both government jobs and then separately for specific clearances and access to classified materials. My fear is after the bureaucrats get through with it will become another hosed up federal program.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:49 am
Question ; Could Barack Obama pass a security investigation ?
It might be selective memory but I seem to remember something about first generation citizens being restricted to the lower tiers of clearnesses
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
You’re mistaken. There is no such rule regarding “first generation citizens.” (Think of Henry Kissinger). As a U.S. Senator, Obama has already been cleared for access to classified information.