Amending Civil Service Rules to Modernize Security Clearance Processes
Jan 23, 2017
Jan 23, 2017
Summary
Updates the rules for background checks to make sure government workers and contractors are loyal, trustworthy, and reliable.
What problem does this solve?
The process for checking the backgrounds of government workers was outdated and different across various agencies. This order creates a single, modern system with the same rules for everyone to make the process faster and more secure.
What does this order do?
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Establishment and functions of Performance Accountability Council
Establishes a Performance Accountability Council
Creates a new council to oversee and align all government processes for security clearances, job suitability, and issuing federal ID cards. The council ensures all agencies follow the same rules.
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Establishment, designation, and functions of Executive Agents
Designates new leadership roles for vetting
Names the Director of the Office of Personnel Management as the 'Suitability and Credentialing Executive Agent' and the Director of National Intelligence as the 'Security Executive Agent' to lead and set standards.
Requires continuous background checks
Mandates that all government employees and contractors be subject to 'continuous vetting'. This means their backgrounds are regularly checked automatically, not just when they are first hired or up for review.
Forces agencies to accept each other's background checks
Requires government agencies to accept security clearances and background checks done by other agencies. This avoids making people go through the same long process again if they move to a new government job.
Updates Civil Service employment rules
Changes the Civil Service Rules to give the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) clear responsibility for setting standards on character and conduct for people applying for most federal jobs.
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Roles and responsibilities of the National Background Investigations Bureau and the Department of Defense
Defines roles for key agencies in background checks
Assigns the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB) as the main provider of background checks, and gives the Department of Defense the job of building and managing the computer systems for them.
Revokes older executive orders
Cancels Executive Order 10450 and Executive Order 13381, which were older rules for security and background checks, replacing them with this new, updated system.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government employees
- Government contractors
- Applicants for federal jobs
What is the real world impact?
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Creates a more efficient and secure government
Streamlines the slow and inconsistent process for background checks across all federal agencies. By creating a single, modern system, it aims to reduce delays, cut costs, and ensure that all government personnel meet the same high standards for trust and loyalty.
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Centralizes control over vetting processes
Establishes new leadership roles and a central council to oversee all background checks. This ensures that one set of rules applies everywhere, making it easier to manage and hold agencies accountable for following security procedures.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately as of January 17, 2017.