You want to make the process faster?
Time to add in automatic disqualifiers, felony arrest in last x amount of years, bankruptcy, etc. Too much time spent on cases where the subject has a history of irresponsibility.
Your case papers filed out incorrectly, full stop on case and sent back to fill out correctly and start the clock over.
Hold recruiters responsible for falsification.
References should be done via inquiry and more of them. Ask for 10, look for 5 responses, etc.
Pass legislation that no one can be held civially liable for cooperating with a national security investigation.
Pass legislation that any agency or company loses federal funding for not cooperating.
Align investigations with the adjudicative quidelines, too much time spent on questioning and typing info no one cares about.