At ClearanceJobs Connect West, DCSA Director David Cattler delivered a compelling message about trust, technology, and the people powering national security. Leading the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), Cattler emphasized DCSA’s role as the government’s largest integrated security services provider—handling over 95% of federal background investigations and supporting more than 10,000 cleared companies.
Cattler’s address focused on how DCSA is adapting to growing threats from foreign adversaries while managing a massive clearance and vetting system—initiating over 10,000 investigations daily and supporting a cleared population of nearly 4 million through continuous vetting. “Every one of those cases represents an American entitled to a fair shake,” he said.
He also addressed the vital need for AI—used not to replace humans but to support them. AI is helping DCSA prioritize anomaly detection, streamline quality control, and coach new adjudicators. “I want practical tools that support better decisions and faster results.”
With over 2,500 employees in 174 locations nationwide, DCSA is working hand-in-hand with industry to protect the “arsenal of democracy.” From industrial security to insider threat detection, the agency sees security not as a checklist but as a partnership rooted in trust.
Cattler’s takeaway? Whether you’re applying for a clearance, running a cleared facility, or building the next breakthrough in defense tech—DCSA is listening, adapting, and committed to keeping our security ecosystem strong.
