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Security Executive Blog

Information for the CIO, CSO, FSO, ISSO and other security professionals. Understanding NISPOM and ITAR compliance is tough. With over 12,000 cleared defense contractors, a majority of those don't have a security staff. We'll hope to help fill the gap. From security clearances to performing on classified contracts, you can find help here.

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April 03, 2010

Red Bike Publishing

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How Contractors Get Facility Security Clearances

February 04, 2010

Having a Facility Clearance (FCL) makes a business attractive, but that desire does not provide the needed justification for obtaining a security clearance. The FCL is strictly contract based and demonstrates an enterprise’s trustworthiness. A company is eligible for a facility security clearance after the award of a classified contract. The FCL is a result of a lengthy investigation and the subsequent government’s determination that a company is eligible to have access to classified information. A company can bid on a classified contract without possessing a facility clearance, but is sponsored for a clearance after the contract is awarded. The interested company cannot simply request its own FCL, but must be sponsored by the Government Contracting Activity (GCA) or a prime contractor. Once the need to conduct classified work is determined, the next requirements are administrative. The company has to submit proof that they are structured and a legal entity under the laws of th...

Appointing the Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO)

September 23, 2016

This article continues the series covering the Self-Inspection Handbook For NISP Contractors and guidance found in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Incorporating Change 2 . Since the NISPOM update adds to requirements, there is now a sixth element to the “Elements of Inspection” that are common to ALL cleared companies participating in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). As mentioned in the first article in the series, all should be incorporated into your customized self-inspection check list: (A) Facility Security Clearance (FCL), (B) Access Authorizations, (C) Security Education, (D) FOCI, (E) Classification, and (Y) Insider Threat . Question: Has the company appointed a U.S. citizen employee, who is a senior official, as a key management personnel (KMP) who will serve as the Insider Threat Program Senior Official (ITPSO)? NISPOM Reference: 1-202b, 1-202c, 2-104 1-202b. The contractor ...

Security through walking around

October 30, 2008

Perhaps you have already used this term or have at least heard others refer to it on occasion. I have read several articles concerning the subject and am, quite frankly, a fan of the idea. For those new to the term, it means turn off the computer and show your smiling face. If you spend your day processing information at your computer, you don’t get the full security picture. If you only get out to play “gotcha” or to conduct preliminary inquiries into violations, then those you serve only get a partial picture of you. Security through walking around requires a plan. Without the plan you are just milling about engaging in conversation and basically, wasting everyone’s time. A plan will keep you focused as well as prevent the temptations to have conversations and activities that can cause you to lose credibility. The plan doesn’t have to be complicated or lengthy. It just helps direct your purpose, attention and answers questions about your security program’s health. T...