According to a November 12 report in Washington Technology, some major defense contractors feel that no significant improvement has been made this year in security clearance processing times.

“Despite the expected need next year for more IT workers with high-level security clearances, human resources executives agree the government logjam of clearing new hires hasn’t improved much this year; nor is it likely to get much better in 2008.”

However, a October 22 article in DefenseNews.com reported OPM’s claim that the end of the federal government’s security clearance logjam is finally in sight.

“Kathy Dillaman, associate director for OPM’s Federal Investigative Services, said that 80 percent of OPM’s initial investigations of applicants are being finished in less than 70 days. That’s down from 80 percent in 121 days in fiscal 2006, and on its way to reaching the congressionally mandated goal of finishing 90 percent in 40 days or less.”

Significant discrepancies continue to exist between the clearance investigation processing time improvements claimed by OPM and the results experienced by defense contractors.  Is it time for a new comprehensive study of the problem by GAO?