actually i heard from ray that they would have 150 agents cleared by the end of the year, which is 50% more than had been anticipated. crunch the numbers on a figure like 150 and it's incredible.
the clearance process is going on now, and a good many of the agents "in the pipe" may be cleared very soon, from what he said. the holidays slowed down this process, as it all has to do with the federal government's vacation schedule.
i'm thinking this interview is somewhat rearview mirror in regards to the contract, and is not the actual "news" we have been waiting for. i think it's still likely we'll see another PR this week. just a hunch.