DoD Background Checks (E.O. 13869)

Summary

Moves the main job of doing background checks for all government workers from one office to the Department of Defense to make it better and safer.

What problem does this solve?

The government's system for background checks was spread out, and a law said the Department of Defense (DoD) had to handle its own. This order combines all government background checks into a new agency within the DoD to make the process work better and be more secure.

What does this order do?

Transfers background check responsibility to the Department of Defense

Moves the main job of doing background checks for the entire federal government from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to the Department of Defense (DoD).

Creates the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)

Renames the Defense Security Service (DSS) to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). This new agency will be the main group doing background checks for the government.

Excludes DCSA from certain labor rules

States that the DCSA's main job is intelligence and national security work. Because of this, some federal labor-management rules will not apply to the agency to protect national security.

Requires a review of all government vetting policies

Orders top government officials to look at all laws, rules, and policies about checking federal workers and contractors. They must then suggest changes to the President.

Who does this affect?

Federal government employees and applicants
Government contractors
Department of Defense and Office of Personnel Management personnel

What is the real world impact?

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Makes the background check process more efficient

Combines the government's background check work into one main agency. This follows a law and aims to use resources better, avoid problems, and improve how federal workers and contractors are checked.

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Centralizes control of sensitive security data

Puts all background investigation information under the control of the Department of Defense. This may be seen as a way to better protect sensitive national security data by keeping it within the defense community.

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Could change the focus of background checks

Moves a job that was once for a civilian office to a military one. Some may worry this could change the standards for background checks, especially for government jobs that are not related to defense.

When does this start?

This order sets several deadlines for the transfer of duties, with the full changeover to be finished by September 30, 2019.

DCSA becomes primary investigating entity

By June 24, 2019, the new Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) must become the main group for conducting government background checks.

Transfer agreement execution

By June 24, 2019, the Department of Defense and the Office of Personnel Management must sign a written agreement detailing the transfer of duties, people, and resources.

Review of vetting policies report

By July 24, 2019, a report must be sent to the President with suggestions for changes to the government's rules for checking employees and contractors.

Completion of transfer

By September 30, 2019, the Office of Personnel Management must finish moving all background check duties and resources to the Department of Defense.