Training Topics for Cleared Contractor FSOs

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New cleared contractors should understand that the Defense Security Service (DSS) provides initial training and special briefings to their appointed Facility Security Officer (FSO). This training is invaluable as the new FSO will have a chance to learn about their responsibilities. Sometimes the new FSO will be learning for the first time exactly what is expected of them. After training, the FSO is then authorized to present the training to the organization's cleared employees. According to NISPOM, the FSO is also required to attend the DSS mandated FSO Program Management Course within one year of appointment. This means that cleared contractors should be prepared to send a designated FSO to the DSS Academy for the training, or take the training on line. Either way, the FSO must be certified.
DSS provides new courses designed for FSOs of possessing and non-possessing facilities. FSOs should coordinate with their DSS representative to determine the training that’s right for their situation. The training is designed to prepare the FSO to implement and direct a NISPOM based security program in their cleared contractor facility including, but not limited to the following topics:

Protecting classified material – The proper receipt, accountability, storage, dissemination and destruction of classified material.

Required training – This instruction helps the FSO establish an ongoing training program designed to create an environment of security conscious cleared employees.

Personnel security clearances – The FSO gains an understanding of the personnel security clearance request procedure, briefing techniques and maintenance of personnel clearances.

Facility clearance – The FSO learns how FCLs are established and which records and activities are required to maintain the FCL.

Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) - Organizations analyze foreign investments, sales and ownership on a regular basis using the Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interests (SF 328). FSOs learn to interact with management and provide guidance and direction in preventing a foreign entity from unauthorized access to or controlling work involving classified and export controlled information.

Exports compliance and international operations –FSOs receive instruction on how to prevent unauthorized disclosure of critical technology, classified and export controlled information.

Restricted areas – The restricted area is established to control temporary access to classified material.

Closed areas – Space is approved to store and work with classified material. This involves approved construction and limited accesses controls to prevent unauthorized disclosure during and after work hours.

Contract security classification specification (DD Form 254) –The cleared contractor is allowed access to classified contracts based on the DD Form 254. The FSO would learns how the DD Form 254 is constructed and how to provide input to better meet security requirements.

Security classification guides (SCG) – As the DD Form 254 provides authorization to execute a classified contract, the SCG provides the “how to” instruction.

Security administration and records keeping – This teaches the maintenance of facility and personnel security clearance information as well as all other accountability. The FSO is expected to provide information on personnel clearances, original documentation of their facility clearance and demonstrate classified information accountability during the DSS annual security inspection.

Sub contracting – When approved to subcontract classified work, the prime contractor will provide a DD Form 254 to the subcontractor.

The academy issues a certificate which should be filed for presentation during security audits. The FSO training should not end with this course. Career enhancing training is available through various security and management courses. More in depth online and residence training is available in each above mentioned topic. Other agencies may offer more training certification in special access programs, COMSEC, and intelligence protection. Other training is available in colleges, professional organizations, vendor websites, through books like this and within the security community.