**GAO-08-965R**                      Published: Jul 14, 2008. Publicly Released: Jul 14, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

On May 22, 2008, we testified before the Congressional subcommittee at a hearing on Security Clearance Reform. This letter responds to three questions for the record. (1) Has GAO noted any efforts in the Joint Reform Team report to address the quality of investigative and adjudicative work and if not, can GAO suggest some steps that might be taken? (2) Since the Department of Defense (DOD) was put on GAO's high-risk list, GAO has been recommending DOD develop methods to better forecast long-term funding needs for the clearance process. What are GAO's thoughts on the steps taken by the Defense Security Service (DSS), including its use of a refined web-based survey, to better forecast its workload? (3) What suggestions does GAO have for the Joint Reform Team and Congress as we move forward with plans to reform the security clearance process?

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## Topics

Government Operations

AccountabilityDefense capabilitiesEligibility determinationsEmployeesFederal employeesFederal fundsFuture budget projectionsInvestigations by federal agenciesProgram evaluationProgram managementQuality assuranceQuality improvementSecurity clearancesSurveysPolicies and procedures