Security Executive Blog

When an uncleared employee is hired to perform on classified contracts, the Facility Security Officer (FSO) requests a security clearance investigation. If a new employee already has an active security clearance, then the action is administrative; just a transfer. In the case of a security clearance request, the applicant completes and submits the SF-86 with the security officer’s assistance and the investigation begins. Next, the adjudicators apply the “whole person” concept to determine suitability and make a security clearance decision. The applicant has some control over the timeliness of the application and duration of investigation when they put in the effort to prepare ahead of time with all the references necessary to answer questions accurately and completely. Additionally they can also gather references that may help the adjudicators understand whether or not any derogatory information can be overcome. Any answers to the questions indicating a risk should be explained i...

The facility security officer should conduct an assessment of classified holdings to determine vulnerabilities, threats, and risk to classified information. This risk assessment is above and beyond what has been determined by the original classification authority (OCA) and as applies to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Where the OCA has determined classification level, the NISPOM provides guidance on how to protect the classified information.  The mission piece is the defense contractor and how they protect the classified information by format and location. It's not always good enough to rely on NISPOM requirements as the environment may dictate additional countermeasures. For example, SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL information can be approved for storage in a GSA approved container. However, if the defense contractor is in a high crime area, additional physical security measures may be necessary.  That's where the 6 step risk management pro...

Required forms for facility security clearances Aside from the SF 328, another required form for the facility security clearance process is the Department of Defense Security Agreement ( DD Form 441 ). The Cognizant Security Office (Defense Security Services (DSS) for the Department of Defense) will advise the contractor on how to fill out the forms and answer any questions the contractor may have. Department of Defense Security Agreement, DD Form 441 The DD Form 441 is a security agreement between the contractor and the DoD and documents responsibilities of both the cleared contractor and the government in the protection of classified information. For example, the contractor agrees to implement and enforce the security controls necessary to prevent unauthorized disclosure of classified material in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual ( NISPOM ). The contractor also agrees to verify that the subcontractor, customer, individual and any other ...