Security questions surround Navy Yard shooting

There are many things we know, and probably more that we don’t know about the shooting at the Navy Yard.

Top of mind for many is how did Aaron Alexis get a security clearance and a valid common access card that let him enter Building 197 and kill 12 people?

Given his history of anger issues and gun-related incidents, it’s a little mind-boggling that he was able to get the credentials he had.

One source told me that the better question is how recently was he investigated, and who adjudicated the decision to give him a secret clearance. That’s most likely where the process broke down.

Another question will surround the process for entering the building. Alexis was able to get a shotgun into the building, according to FederalNewsRadio. How did he do that? Did carry it in, or was it secreted inside equipment he was there to install?

Time.com is reporting that the Defense Department inspector general has a report on the security at the Navy Yard that says the Navy had relaxed security on contractors to save costs.

The IG audit was conducted prior to the shooting, of course, but it should still be illuminating; however, a source told me that report may not be publicly released, but hopefully a redacted version will be.

My expectation is that the risk tolerance at federal facilities will change. There is a constant balancing act between security and access, and the balance will swing toward security for the time being.

Another question on my mind is what happens to the relationship between Alexis’ employer, The Experts Inc., and their prime contractor, Hewlett-Packard Co? The Experts are a subcontractor on the Navy Marines Corps Intranet, and the follow-on Next Generation Enterprise Network contract, which is under protest.

The companies aren’t answering that question. Probably the only time we’ll find out is through the protest involving NGEN, and if HP prevails. If the Experts isn’t on their list of teammates, we’ll know why.

But HP and the Experts have issued statements offering their condolences and saying they are cooperating with law enforcement.