Contingency Contract Management. DOD Needs to Develop and Finalize Background Screening and Other Standards for Private Security Contractors
Abstract
Currently in Iraq, there are thousands of private security contractor (PSC) personnel supporting DOD and State, many of whom are foreign nationals. Congressional concerns about the selection, training, equipping, and conduct of personnel performing private security functions in Iraq are reflected in a provision in the fiscal year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that directs DOD to develop guidance on PSCs. This report examines the extent (1) that DOD and State have developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure that the backgrounds of PSC employees have been screened and (2) that DOD has developed guidance to implement the provisions of the NDAA and (3) that DOD and State have addressed measures on other issues related to PSC employees in Iraq. To address these objectives, GAO reviewed DOD and State guidance, policies, and contract oversight documentation and interviewed agency and private security industry officials. GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense designate a focal point to ensure that the appropriate DOD offices coordinate, develop, and implement policies on background screenings and that DOD establish standards to meet the requirements of the 2008 NDAA and inform Congress as to when the guidance will be completed. DOD concurred with two recommendations and partially concurred with three.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA503278
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office