Personnel Security: Efforts by DOD and DOE to Eliminate Duplicative Background Investigations
RCED-93-23
Published: May 10, 1993. Publicly Released: Jun 10, 1993.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's (DOD) and Department of Energy's (DOE) compliance with legislative requirements to avoid duplicative background investigations for employees seeking security clearances, focusing on: (1) the effects of automated investigative information exchanges on duplication reduction; and (2) interagency efforts to eliminate duplication and standardize the security clearance process.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Personnel Management | To help ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of computer data being exchanged to avoid the duplication of background investigations, the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) should assess and maintain the reliability of their respective investigative databases through appropriate testing and management oversight. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD consolidation, tighter oversight, and improved automated data controls have enhanced reliability of both DOD and OPM data. Further enhancement of reliability through links to CIA data could take years--this recommendation should be closed.
|
| Department of Defense | To help ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of computer data being exchanged to avoid the duplication of background investigations, the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) should assess and maintain the reliability of their respective investigative databases through appropriate testing and management oversight. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD consolidation, tighter oversight, and improved automated data controls have enhanced reliability of both DOD and OPM data. Further enhancement of reliability through links to CIA data could take years--this recommendation should be closed.
|
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Topics
Background investigationsComputer matchingInformation systemsInteragency relationsPersonnel recruitingSecurity clearancesSystems compatibilityDatabasesPersonnel managementFederal agencies