Security Executive Blog

As we continue the series of articles on the self-inspection, we should understand that FSOs or designated inspecting officers may find themselves addressing “Elements of Inspection” that are common to ALL cleared companies participating in the NISP. Still, there are other topics that do not apply, but the opportunity to learn something new applies. There are a few more elements that might be applied at unique cleared facilities, but FSOs  in those situations can adapt these articles to those specific needs. As a recap, according to DSS’  The Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors, the five elements that pertain to ALL cleared defense contractors are: (A) Facility Security Clearance (FCL) (B) Access Authorizations (C) Security Education , (D) FOCI (E) Classification   Though not applicable to all cleared contractors, subcontracting is covered in NISPOM . This article will address the requirements of the subcontracting and how to set up both the pri...

NISPOM Good things happen where preparation and opportunity meet. Of course you can’t control the opportunity part, but you can always be ready when it does come knocking. In this case, the opportunity is the chance to get a SATISFACTORY or higher rating from Defense Security Services (DSS). Preparation is what you do to meet the minim standard, apply enhancements for higher ratings and demonstrate the implementation. The opportunity knocks on your door during the annual DSS review. By applying the five “Elements of Inspection” that are common to ALL cleared companies participating in theNISP, and the additional elements that might be applied at unique cleared facilities, facility security officers can control the opportunity a bit better. According to DSS’ The Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors, the five elements are: (A) Facility Security Clearance (FCL) (B) Access Authorizations (C) Security Education (D) FOCI (E) Classification Using the DSS publication as the inte...

We know it’s tough to focus on both creating a company to last and performing under strict government guidelines. Getting classified contracts, requesting security clearances and remaining compliant are all vital to a cleared contractor’s success. But… Just one mistake can cost a defense contractor current and future contracts. Until now, there has been no one place to find everything you need to know about security clearances. Many defense contractors and employees don’t understand how to get their clearances and compete for classified work. The DoD Security Clearance and Contracts Guidebook brings together information from Presidential Executive Orders, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) and other regulations to demonstrate how to establish and maintain a successful security program. Whether you are part of a business or an employee, this book will demonstrate both the security clearance process and how...

A former engineer with Boeing Company has pleaded guilty to possessing classified information in an unauthorized location. Does anyone want to guess where? Yes, that’s right, his house. He thought he could take the information home with him and work on it there. You can read more about the information in the article Boeing Engineer is found guilty . While many security managers are focused on good training and may think that they have it in the bag, don’t rest just yet. Chances are that the involved engineer is not the only one breaking the rules of safeguarding classified material. Those who work on classified contracts need to be reminded again and again how to do so while following the laws of our country. Let’s break this case down. Engineer has access to computer processing. He then down loads the information to a data stick and brings it home with him. Though he probably meant no harm, his actions created tons of it and he will be punished for it. Chance...

As we have addressed over the course of this blog space, industrial security specialists and FSO’s play a vital role in protecting our Nation’s secrets. Aside from guidance in the NISPOM, there is another critical piece of information necessary to practicing good classification management; enter the DD Form 254. The Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254) is a basic agreement between the Contractor/Subcontractor and the User Agency. It conveys the security classification specifications and guidelines for classification, regrading, and downgrading of documents used in the performance of a classified contract. This agreement authorizes access to classified information in performance of a contract. The DD Form 254 will be provided to both the supplier and cognizant security offices when work is subcontracted to a supplier/vendor requiring access to or generation of classified material. So why is this important to you? First of all it provides author...