The backlog of background checks — typically more than 200 days for most new hires who need a clearance — has ripple effects throughout the region, according to the Greater Washington Partnership.

Perspecta Enterprise Solutions LLC won a $75 million other transaction agreement on May 14 to continue modernization of the federal security clearance process, in particular with machine learning and related technology. The Defense Security Service and Defense Information Systems Agency awarded the 24-month OTA, which covers improvements to National Background Investigation Services information technology. Perspecta