Security Executive Blog

HTTP://www.redbikepublishing.com In this installation of the Defense Security Service (DSS) Self Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors, we’ll review the  National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM ), Paragraph 5-306b. Here is the question:                                                     5-306b       Has DSS approval been granted for the open shelf or bin storage commonly known as “open storage” of documents in Closed Areas? Though we have covered the storage of classified information in earlier articles, this writing will address storage of classified information specific to these closed areas. See if you can find the differences. According to ...

http://www.redbikepublishing.com/book/magnet/ This article continues the series on the self-inspection guidance found in the Defense Security Service’s Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors. This article addressed the storage of information classified as SECRET. 5-303, 307 Is all SECRET and Confidential material being stored in GSA- approved security containers, approved vaults, or closed areas? RESOURCES: ISL 2012-04 GSA Storage Equipment and SECRET Storage under Industrial Security Letters at: http://www.cdse.edu/toolkits/fsos/safeguarding.html . GSA Security Container SECRET material should be stored in a GSA approved security container or as authorized by the Cognizant Security Agency, in open storage or bin storage in an approved closed area or vault. When SECRET information is approved for open bin storage stored in a closed area, supplemental controls or an approved guard force are required. However NISPOM does not require supplemental controls SECRET stored in a ...

©  Mhieronimus  |  Dreamstime.com  -  Hollywood Sign Photo I recently had the fortune of being on a radio talk show for security professionals. This show has an audience of approximately 10,000 listeners with varied corporate and law enforcement security experience. However, very few of the audience members work in the defense contractor industry or under the National Industrial Security Program.   I had wanted to be a guest on the show since I had heard about it earlier this year. I had found them in a google search and discovered that they had covered the N ational Industrial Security Program (NISP) with some college students. The conversation, though serious, proved light as the talk show hosts engaged the guests and audience in an entertaining manner. They actually made NISP seem very interesting. I had to ask myself, "When was the last time a security briefing , training, or seminar was engaging, serious, and comical at th...

As a recap from the last article, we can apply the “Elements of Inspection” that are common to ALL cleared companies participating in the NISP. There are a few more elements that might be applied at unique cleared facilities, but facility security officers in those situations can adapt these articles to those specific needs. 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 A good place to start is the very beginning. This second article in the series will address how to integrate the Facility Security Clearance (FCL) into the overall security program designed to protect classified information. Documentation is key. Once a government contracting activity and/or prime contractor awards a contract, the defense contractor can begin preparing documentation to begin the facility security clearance (FCL) process. Proper documentatio...

As published by clearancejobs.com http://news.clearancejobs.com/2013/04/02/how-defense-contractors-get-facility-security-clearances/ Defense contractors provide goods and services while performing on government contracts. They are also designated by their identifying Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Codes. Besides having a sought after skill, service or product, defense contractors can also perform on classified and unclassified contracts. This article discusses classified contracts and how defense contractor enterprises are granted security clearances. A facility security clearance (FCL) is provided to a defense contractor as a result of a contract requiring performance on a classified effort. Though the contractor does not have to possess an FCL prior to bidding on a contract, it is necessary perform on the classified effort. A defense contractor can bid on and win the contract as long as they are eligible to apply for and receive the FCL. Once they win the contract, ...

Change 1 to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM ) outlines requirements for derivative classification. Where the original classification authority receives training on the same topics annually, NISPOM requires derivative classification once every two years. According to NISPOM derivative classifiers should be trained…in the proper application of the derivative classification principles, with an emphasis on avoiding over-classification, at least once every 2 years. .. not authorized to conduct derivative classification until they receive such training. Here’s the important part, no derivative classifier training , no work. Proper NISPOM training and documentation is the difference between performing on classified work and not being able to meet contractual requirements. Make sure your cleared contractors performing derivative classification responsibilities are trained to standard. The standard is listed below with a few ideas on how to meet each of the cr...