Security Policy Reform Council

Since the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA), legislation has required a systematic review and update of the security clearance process for the Intelligence Community. This legislation and several executive orders call for the greater inclusion of technology, the standardization of clearance guidelines across federal agencies, greater clearance reciprocity and the shortening of the review period to clear personnel faster without sacrificing security. Many of these gains have been realized, but much work remains to assure that these improvements are sustainable and that they are felt by the private sector partners within the IC.

The Security Policy Reform Council was formed in 2010 by INSA Senior Intelligence Advisor Charlie Allen in order to support the reform effort and improve efficiency in the clearance process. The group meets with private sector partners, government workforce planners, security officers and other notable experts to gain a complete picture of the security clearance process and offer concise, executable recommendations for meeting and sustaining the goals laid out in 2004 IRTPA. Based on these meetings, the Security Policy Reform Council published the white paper, “Next Steps for Security Reform: Industry Proposals to Enhance Efficiency and Reduce Costs in National Security Contracts,” which noted the significant improvements that have been made in the security clearance process, but identifies significant policy impediments that can be addressed to improve the efficient use of cleared contractor personnel by the government.