Security Executive Blog

Cleared contractor facility security officers (FSO) and security specialists have a unique challenge. They protect classified information and have lots of guidance on how to do so. However, they also have to figure out how to best protect sensitive information based on competitive budget requirements. Some of the forces acting on the budget include NISPOM , ITAR and other regulatory requirements as well as actions required by a thorough risk assessment The NISPOM is a proscriptive policy, meaning that FSOs and security specialists have a list of “to do” countermeasures to protect Government identified classified contract information . For example, a secret document should be stored in a GSA approved security container. Other solutions that appear proscribed are standard practices. Some industry standards include access control, alarms and CCTV. One might think they were required based on the general acceptance and wide use. For example, the NISPOM states that SECRET should b...

Some defense contractors mistakenly assume that they can request a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) for business development purposes or to better position themselves future classified contract opportunities.  Though that is not how FCLs are awarded there is a process and methodology to justify the FCL.  The FCL justification is the trigger point for a Cognizant Security Agency like DSS to investigate a defense contractor for a security clearance. A well documented justification indicates that the contractor is or will be required to work on classified contracts .  The justification should include information regarding the nature of the classified work performance that requires the company to access classified information. Some examples are: 1.       A DD Form 254 – This lists exactly what a cleared company is expected to do and how they are to perform on the contract. It provides name of company, DSS covering organization, clearance ...

National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) is Not Just For Security Managers; It’s for Everyone. Large NISPOM Small NISPOM It’s not just for the FSO. Every Cleared employee should have a copy. Red Bike Publishing has published a book store quality NISPOM. A sleek new professionally designed cover adorns our product. This NISPOM includes updates from DSSand the Industrial Security Letters. Most companies print their own NISPOMs which sometimes yields poor quality and a hard to read product. Red Bike Publishing has added a professional edge to the NISPOM for about the same as it costs to print your own. Our publisher quality books have crisp writing that is refreshing to read. Your cleared employees may actually spend more time reading this. Long gone is my big and bulky 3 ring binder.  This book (NISPOM) takes up a fraction of the room on your desk, and is portable enough...