The same company that investigated Edward Snowden for his security clearance in 2011 also did a background check on Navy Yard shooter Aaron Alexis in 2007. That’s no surprise — the company, USIS of Falls Church, dominates the background-check market. This is just the latest problem to dog the federal security clearance process. Brenda Farrell is director of defense capabilities and management issues at the Government Accountability Office. She has kept close watch on these issues.

Six business days left in the fiscal year. Can there really be time to take in those last few buying orders? You bet. Small business can take advantage of what our next guest calls a year-end bonanza of federal procurement. That’s because agencies want to make that final push towards meeting their small business contracting goals. More from Attorney Devon Hewitt of the Protorae Law firm.

Members of Congress are frustrated at what they see as the Homeland Security Department’s failure to manage the acquisition practices of its various components, leading to poorly defined requirements and wasted money. DHS says some of the problems are of Congress’ own making. More from Federal News Radio’s Jared Serbu.