I have no idea. Dozens? Hundreds? A few? A lot? Don't know.
Just about every gov't group has work that is contracted out to non-governmental companies - private contractors. Its real big bidness.
And do we “vett “ them all?
Who is "we"?
Each private contractor is responsible for following go'vt procedure for employee background checks and meeting security requirements. This is usually checked and followed through by... another private group who has the contract for this vetting.
Ain't life grand?
(a lot this vetting gets checked by the USAF Security Service...a real hot shot group)
This is tip of the ice berg stuff. It looks like this guy, amateur that he may be, is no dummy.
He looks to be good at his job. He also has the 'deer in the headlight' look.
As far as the PRC and him - I'd say no. They will, IMO, follow the course of Wu Wei (woo way) - action by no action. They're popping popcorn and watching the show. No real reason for them to jump in on this. This is the USAs' problem.
NSA contractors go through the same process to get their top secret security clearance with a full scope poly (this is required to work for NSA as an employee or contractor) as a NSA government employee.
A company like Booze Allen will sponsor an employee to get their clearance (put up the money), put them in the pipeline it’s called, and the feds conduct all the background research, federal agents are the ones who visit neighbors, do the interview, and give the polygraph. This clearance can only be obtained through the federal government. If you pass all the financial, background, and poly stuff you are then briefed and take an oath right in the NSA HQs building an FT. Meade. There is no private company doing any vetting.