The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is taking a major step forward in modernizing the federal government’s personnel vetting process with the release of the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) product roadmap. This roadmap, made public today, is designed to help both Defense industry stakeholders and government agencies navigate the transition to the newly implemented personnel vetting requirements under Trusted Workforce 2.0 (TW 2.0) policy.

The Role of NBIS in Personnel Vetting

As federal agencies work toward streamlining their personnel vetting processes, the NBIS program is a cornerstone of this effort. The system, which supports the full lifecycle of background investigations, is crucial in modernizing how security clearances and suitability determinations are made across the federal government.

Rob Schadey, the DCSA NBIS Executive Program Manager, explains, “The product roadmap outlines the plan for the release, testing, and operationalization of products and services to DCSA customers and stakeholders. The included products and services were validated against the NBIS capability needs statement, a foundational document that supports personnel vetting reform initiatives under TW 2.0. NBIS is crucial to realizing the TW 2.0 vision for the federal government—the product roadmap informs the milestones and metrics published in the Trusted Workforce quarterly progress report.”

This roadmap is more than just a list of deliverables—it’s a key tool for federal agencies and stakeholders, providing visibility into the phased development of the NBIS system. The goal is to ensure that organizations are prepared for the transition as the system continues to evolve.

Agile Development for Flexibility and Efficiency

The NBIS program is built using Agile software development methodology, allowing for flexibility and adaptability throughout its development. Updates to the roadmap will be provided regularly, keeping stakeholders in the loop as progress continues. With a focus on digital transformation, NBIS is not only improving efficiency but also ensuring that the system meets the growing needs of the federal government and the cleared workforce.

Since DCSA Director David Cattler took leadership in March 2024, there’s been a renewed focus on advancing the NBIS program. Under his leadership, DCSA has been making significant strides to address concerns raised by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) while also ensuring the system’s alignment with federal requirements. In October 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) approved a comprehensive plan for NBIS deployment, including the rollout of the NBIS eApp for background investigations.

The Impact of NBIS on Federal Workforce Management

The impact of NBIS cannot be overstated. It’s a game changer in terms of how the federal government and cleared industries approach personnel vetting. With TW 2.0, NBIS will drastically reduce the time required to bring new hires on board, enhance workforce mobility, and improve visibility into employee behaviors—ultimately creating a more secure and efficient workforce.

As the program moves forward, there’s a clear path to continued success. The NBIS digital transformation is underway, and agencies and contractors alike are watching closely as it continues to evolve and shape the future of personnel vetting.

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Jillian Hamilton has worked in a variety of Program Management roles for multiple Federal Government contractors. She has helped manage projects in training and IT. She received her Bachelors degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Penn State University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.