Compliance Management, Government Regulations

Representatives pen letter asking for OPM to stop housing security clearance info

Representative Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and Rep. Steve Russell, R-Okla., wrote a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Deputy Director for Management David Mader on Wednesday and implored him to move security clearance data out of OPM.

Instead, the representatives suggested the information be stored in a national security-focused agency's database.

“Simply put, OPM was not designed to house and protect this sensitive data,” the men wrote. “We therefore request that the PAC identify a more secure location to store and protect security clearance data. We have drafted, and are prepared to offer, legislative authority to accomplish that goal.”

Lieu alluded to this legislation in an interview last week with SCMagazine.com on separate matter. In that interview he said he was hoping to work with “different people in the administration to see where would be the most important place to house and protect [the government's crown jewels].”

The letter was timed close to the end of a 90-day review period that focused on “information security, governance, policy, and other aspects of the security and suitability determination process.”

The men also requested the review group reexamine what data is stored and what is really needed on the “antiquated” SF-86 forms.

Get daily email updates

SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news

By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.