2011 Defense authorization bill speeds up background checks

2011 Defense authorization bill now being considered by the Senate would allow the Pentagon to create a way to speed up security clearance investigations and background checks for disabled service members or their spouses applying for civilian jobs, according to the Federal Times. The bill would also allow the Defense Department to speed up background investigations for current employees, service members and contractors who need clearances because they are working on sensitive national security issues. Furthermore, it aims to improve their acquisition work force. The Pentagon would have to develop attractive career paths for acquisition employees, encourage them to pursue more education and training, and develop procedures to warn under performing employees who consistently fail to meet their performance standards. Defense would be allowed to use a special hiring authority to hire highly qualified experts to be managers and mentors or to help design training programs, and would be able to use the expedited background investigations to bring those experts on board. It is an interesting manoeuvre should the bill pass, and may lead to further legislation being passed on regular background screening – making it easier and faster for both employers and their potential hires.]]>