Fluctuating caseloads for security clearance background investigators, both employed by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and its contractors, are influenced by policy, technological advancements, and the volume of cases submitted.
Some investigators over at the ClearanceJobsBlog started a thread on the topic that both current investigators and security clearance applications might find interesting:
“Has anyone else notice a significant decrease in work/case loads? I’m hearing rumors to expect major changes for field work.”
As of May 2025, DCSA reported a 24% reduction in its backlog of security clearance investigations, decreasing from 290,000 cases in September 2024 to 222,000 cases. This improvement is attributed to several factors including a dedicated “tiger team” which was established to identify and address bottlenecks in the investigation process.
These advancements in reducing the backlog could be the slight decrease in workload that some investigators have reported.
Factors Contributing to Caseload Fluctuations
Certain elements contribute to the variability in investigators’ workloads:
- Adoption of Continuous Vetting: The shift from periodic reinvestigations to continuous vetting under the Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative has reduced the frequency of traditional background checks.
- Workforce Management: Efforts to balance investigator capacity with demand, including workforce shaping and hiring freezes, can impact caseload distribution.
While current indicators show a reduction in backlog and slightly increased processing times at the last NISPPAC meeting, the landscape remains dynamic. Investigators may experience periods of lower workload as agencies adjust to new processes and technologies. However, the need for security clearances persists, and workload may increase as many CV enrollees reach the 5-year mark, with requirements to submit updated eApps and any follow-on investigative needs.
Read the full thread here: https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/low-case-loads-decrease-in-work/20836/8
This question was posed from a subscriber at ClearanceJobsBlog.com, where you can read and discuss government security clearance process, how to get a security clearance job, and background investigations issues.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” This case-by-case system is meant to consider the whole person, increase process security, and allow the lowest-risk/highest-need candidates to complete the process. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.Â
