The authors examined how U.S. government vetting processes and procedures could be enhanced by application of mobile technologies and platforms for the Security, Suitability, and Credentialing Performance Accountability Council Program Management Office. The research team identified key mobile platform and security factors to consider when communicating with and screening candidates and describe relevant private-sector practices.

Harnessing Mobile Technology to Enable U.S. Personnel Vetting

David Stebbins, Sarah W. Denton, Douglas Yeung

ResearchPublished Feb 15, 2023

This applied research project provides the Security, Suitability, and Credentialing (SSC) Performance Accountability Council Program Management Office (PAC PMO) with an examination of how U.S. government vetting processes and procedures could be enhanced by application of mobile technologies and platforms. The research team identified key mobile platform and security factors to consider when communicating with and screening candidates within the SSC process. This report also describes relevant private-sector practices on talent acquisition, applicant tracking systems, screening methods, and communication strategies with candidates prior to the onboarding process.

The RAND research team performed the following tasks for the PAC PMO: (1) categorize emerging mobile technology platforms according to SSC process relevance and ability to assist government vetting of personnel; (2) illustrate relevant practices and lessons learned for integrating security applications with mobile platforms; and (3) provide recommendations on how best to incorporate potentially useful private-sector screening practices to create efficiency within initial stages of the SSC process.

Key Findings

  • The USG has not integrated mobile technology with SSC vetting processes.
  • Expanding the use of mobile technologies beyond traditional vetting models could uncover additional information sources and shorten investigation timelines.
  • There are opportunities for the USG to adopt several private-sector hiring practices that may improve overall candidate vetting experience.
  • Adopting mobile technology could promote a more diverse workforce in accordance with Executive Order 14035 and consistent with related priorities for Trusted Workforce 2.0 implementation.
  • Identifying metrics for success within a virtual or hybrid working environment could help to ensure that the USG is vetting for the most relevant factors.
  • Several hiring flexibilities afforded to USG departments and agencies have proven beneficial during the pandemic but are due to sunset in fiscal year 2023.

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Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Available
  • Year: 2023
  • Print Format: Paperback
  • Paperback Pages: 114
  • Paperback Price: $29.00
  • Paperback ISBN/EAN: 978-1-9774-1017-7
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.7249/RRA1689-1
  • Document Number: RR-A1689-1

Citation

RAND Style Manual
Stebbins, David, Sarah W. Denton, and Douglas Yeung, Harnessing Mobile Technology to Enable U.S. Personnel Vetting, RAND Corporation, RR-A1689-1, 2023. As of October 10, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1689-1.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Stebbins, David, Sarah W. Denton, and Douglas Yeung, Harnessing Mobile Technology to Enable U.S. Personnel Vetting. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2023. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1689-1.html. Also available in print form.
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This research was sponsored by the Performance Accountability Council Program Management Office (PAC PMO) and conducted within the Forces and Resources Policy Center of the RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD).

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