President Trump officially transferred the federal government’s security clearance and background investigations to a Department of Defense office through an executive order, Nextgov reported Wednesday. The EO renames the Defense Security Service as Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, which will assume all investigations-related work by the end of September.
“[N]o later than June 24, 2019, the DCSA shall serve as the primary entity for conducting effective, efficient and secure background investigations for the federal government for determining whether covered individuals are or continue to be eligible for access to classified information or eligible to hold a sensitive position,â€Â according to the policy.
The order directs DoD and the Office of Personnel Management to have a plan by June 24 for implementation by the Pentagon’s personnel vetting transformation office. It allows the defense secretary to change or transfer work to another DoD office but consultation must be made with OPM, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Office of Management and Budget.
The National Background Investigation Bureau will continue to oversee investigations work through Sept. 30, according to the EO. The order came a month after DoD issued a memorandum that directs the Defense Security Service to assume responsibility for the vetting process.