FSO Training and NISPOM Certification

DSS provides initial training and special briefings to the FSO. The FSO is then authorized to provide the training to the 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.

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

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 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.

Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing Red Bike Publishing . Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook", "ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual", and NISPOM/FSO Training" See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership, The Ranger Handbook, The Army Physical Readiness Manual, Drill and Ceremonies, The ITAR,and The NISPOM

Initiating the Personnel Security Clearance Investigation

Prior to granting a security clearance, Defense Security Service (DSS) will ensure the proper security clearance background investigation is conducted. Two primary types of investigation included the Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and the National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC).

The SSBI is the most detailed investigation and is used to process TOP SECRET (TS), and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearances. The FSO initiates the security clearance request with DSS through JPAS. The FSO notifies the employee to begin the application by completing the Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) or otherwise known as Standard Form 86 (SF 86) to verify employment. The federal investigator verifies the information by interviewing references, employers or others who have known the subject socially or professionally. The investigator may use names identified on the SF 86 and as discovered during the course of the investigation. To facilitate an efficient investigation, applicants should complete the SF 86 accurately and completely.

Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing Red Bike Publishing . Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook", "ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual", and NISPOM/FSO Training" See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership, The Ranger Handbook, The Army Physical Readiness Manual, Drill and Ceremonies, The ITAR,and The NISPOM