ManTech's background investigation processes for federal security clearances

ManTech

What steps or processes should ManTech MSM Security services put in place or implemented to enhance quality, speed, and flexibility of processing background investigation for individuals requiring a security clearance? Are they effective? Why or why not?

ManTech MSM Security currently prides itself on its ability to work in close collaboration with the federal government on security clearances. It strives to create a fair and free exchange of information between the necessary government entities regarding security clearances. Its website ManTech.com states that the company is committed to helping all of its government customers accomplish critical national security missions, a broadness of outreach that facilitates the company in all of its mission, as its knowledge of the federal government's security needs spans from Operation Iraqi Freedom to the Department of Homeland Security.

However, the website itself is short on specifics as to how security clearances are conducted. According to the Department of Defense and Defense Security Services, regarding background checks performed by Management Technology Corp (ManTech), when conducting field interviews for a security clearance, the investigators will normally begin with individuals listed as references on the applicant's questionnaire, and then find other individuals through those first parties. All of these individuals will be asked questions about the honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness of the applicant.

This branching out to find other individuals, which the government says can go on "ad infinitum" is presumably to ensure that the individuals listed as references will not simply be friends who verify that the candidate should be given access to classified information or assigned to a sensitive position or position of trust. Then the subject him or herself will be interviewed and questioned about family background, past experiences, health, use of alcohol or drugs, financial affairs, foreign travel experiences, and other matters deemed pertinent.