Earlier this month the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) announced all required customer agencies had transitioned to the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) eApp. In a media roundtable discussion this week, DCSA Director David Cattler and NBIS Program Manager Rob Schadey provided further context to why technology is a critical focus of America’s largest security agency, and what to expect from the NBIS program as we move into 2025.
Technology as a Cornerstone for Trusted Workforce 2.0
“The Trusted Workforce policy changes are huge,” Cattler remarked, reflecting on the progress the federal government has made in improving security clearance processes. He emphasized that while policy changes like Continuous Vetting (CV) were transformative, better technology is essential to sustain and enhance these advancements.
“Tech is what’s going to help us get even more efficient and effective over time,” he added, underscoring the critical role of NBIS in achieving the objectives of Trusted Workforce 2.0.
Although the NBIS program had faced delays and budget overruns prior to Cattler’s tenure, the past year has seen the implementation of new accountability measures, an 18-month roadmap, and strengthened leadership. “First, stabilize the program, set the foundation, deliver the major functional capabilities, flesh the features out,” Cattler explained, outlining the systematic approach being taken to ensure the program’s success.
Personal Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ): A Key Initiative
A central focus of the agency’s goal of melding policy progress with technological enablement is the Personnel Vetting Questionnaire (PVQ), which is set to replace outdated SF86 and SF85 forms. “PVQ is one of the priorities in the department for delivery, and that’s a really important component and foundation for the program to leverage moving forward,” Schadey stated.
The PVQ initiative aligns with the agency’s broader goals of improving user experience and addressing the “whole person” in investigations. DCSA is set to demo the PVQ in its next quarterly update, and implementation is a key priority for the coming year. Cattler emphasized the importance of designing tools that account for the comprehensive needs of individuals while integrating user feedback.
“The new products addressing a whole-of-government approach and understanding the whole person as a subject and their needs with respect to an investigation will be baked into the products and design so it’s not done in a vacuum,” he explained.
Customer Service and Stakeholder Engagement
Both Cattler and Schadey highlighted the importance of customer service in DCSA’s operations. DCSA was named a High Impact Service Provider at the start of the 2024 fiscal year, and has several key actions to take in 2025 as a part of the HSP program. That designation will help keep DCSA on track and align its priorities to its customer-centric mission.
Schadey noted that stakeholder feedback is central to the agency’s processes. “By hearing what users have to say and knowing how to prioritize those against the capability needs and the requirements within the program, we put those efforts to the forefront. And those efforts are already proving fruitful today,” he said.
DCSA has partnered with Defense Digital Service to incorporate user experience and product ownership professionals into the NBIS program. Schadey described this collaboration as transformative: “It highlights the focus on the product through the user so that we’re getting the right details to make the adjustments and changes.”
Building a Culture of Accountability and Agility
Cattler stressed the importance of aligning program objectives with customer needs while adhering to strict guidelines. “We collectively need an appetite suppressant to be sure we stay on task sometimes,” he quipped, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to delivering specified requirements on time and within budget.
Schadey also emphasized the importance of training and aligning personnel with the program’s objectives. “Ensuring timely delivery is the number one priority,” he said. Cybersecurity compliance remains a key component of the agency’s modernization efforts, ensuring that systems are robust and secure.
Looking Ahead
As DCSA moves forward with its roadmap for NBIS and Trusted Workforce 2.0, it remains focused on stabilizing its systems, enhancing customer service, and delivering cutting-edge technology solutions. With initiatives like the PVQ and partnerships that prioritize user experience, the agency aims to provide efficient, effective, and secure personnel vetting services for the federal government and its contractors.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure the program is on track, and I’m confident in our ability to deliver on NBIS,” Cattler emphasized.
