Extending 3610 as Part of FY 2022 Continuing Resolution

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA)  joined 10 other associations in a Sept. 20 letter reiterating their request from last month, asking lawmakers to extend Section 3610 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, beyond its Sept. 30 expiration date, as a part of the Fiscal Year 2022 continuing resolution.

“This authority has been a critical lifeline for government programs and for the contractor industry during the COVID-19 emergency,” the letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership states. Agencies using the authority include the departments of defense, energy, homeland security, NASA, and the Intelligence Community. The letter notes that since a previous August 11 communication to lawmakers, the average daily cases of COVID-19 have increased 19% in the United States. Due to the rise in cases, federal agencies have begun implementing tighter access protocols at federal worksites.

"Extension of 3610 authorities is essential to keep the cleared workforce ready and able to work even if health conditions prevent them from working in a classified office space," said INSA Vice President Larry Hanauer. "A lapse in these authorities could significantly disrupt critical national security work.”

Extending Section 3610 of the CARES Act has been a key public policy priority for INSA throughout the pandemic.

INSA signed the September 20 letter with the Aerospace Industries Association, the Alliance for Digital Innovation, the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Associated General Contractors of America, the Center for Procurement Advocacy, the Computing Technology Industry Association, National Defense Industrial Association , the Information Technology Industry Council, the Professional Services Council and the Shipbuilders Council of America.