"Agents" are government employees for the most part. These guys were contractors from what it sounds like, much easier to dismiss. I'm no longer in the national security apparatus, but I can tell you that I've had many conversations with others involved in the security clearance process, including my ex wife, and you would be shocked to know the number of creeps which get exposed, but not necessarily terminated, during the background and/or periodic review investigations. Guys screwing underage stepkids; a murderer; a guy who compulsively jerked off while driving on the BW Parkway; etc.