The U.S. government is doing a whole lot of outsourcing and it may be putting lives at risk.
In fact, one of the biggest private government contractors conducted the background check for Edward Snowden, whose leaks lawmakers say cost lives. The same company, USIS, also vetted the navy yard shooter.
Are they to blame or is Uncle Sam still holding the buck?
Pentagon correspondent Chris Lawrence is Outfront with this investigation.
CNN has learned the same company that conducted the background check for Navy Yard gunman Aaron Alexis also vetted NSA leaker Edward Snowden.
USIS, a private government contractor currently under investigation, vetted Alexis in 2007 and Snowden in 2011.
Alexis' background, including his history of troubled mental health, has been a focal point for investigators who are questioning how he obtained a security clearance.
Pentagon correspondent Chris Lawrence is OutFront.
New details tonight in the Washington Navy Yard shooting investigation.
We're hearing it's a horrific scene inside building 197. According to our Barbara Starr, officials say there is blood everywhere, and extensive damage including bullet holes, broken doors, and windows. It may be several weeks before the building re-opens.
And there are more stunning details tonight on how a local Navy base failed to report disturbing behavior by gunman Aaron Alexis, just weeks before he shot and killed 12 people.
OutFront tonight, Jim Sciutto who is outside the Navy yard with the latest.
Twelve families are grieving for those who were killed in Monday's mass shooting.
The dead were devoted parents, spouses, and siblings.
Erin Burnett pays a tribute to the victims of the Navy Yard shooting rampage.
As investigators piece together Aaron Alexis' history, the big question: how did the shooter, a man with a history of mental health issues, arrests and gun violations get and keep the security clearance needed to enter the Washington Navy Yard.
Navy Yard gunman's psychological issues, motive focuses after shooting
Drew Griffin has the latest in this Outfront investigation.