Security Executive Blog

Self-Inspection Handbook F or the past two years, we’ve been writing articles with the goal of helping FSOs manage their security programs. Hopefully we’ve provided a useful service and hope to continually do so. The greatest driver of our articles has been the Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors. This format has provided plenty of material for articles that the reader can implement immediately. Fortunately there have been many updates to the NISPOM and related guidance and tools. Recently the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) has incorporated Change 2 and the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) has released the updated 2016 Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors. This handbook covers the latest NISPOM incorporating Change 2 and is an outstanding tool for novice and seasoned FSOs to perform a risk based assessment of their security program to protect classified information. We will continue to write articles and do ou...

By applying the five “Elements of Inspection” that are common to ALL cleared companies participating in the NISP, and the additional elements that might be applied at unique cleared facilities, facility security officers can control the opportunity a bit better. As a reminder, the DSS’ The Self-Inspection Handbook for NISP Contractors identifies five elements common to all cleared facilities are: (A) Facility Security Clearance (FCL) (B) Access Authorizations (C) Security Education (D) FOCI (E) Classification Using the DSS publication as the intended guidebook, FSOs can glean important information and ideas for applying the elements to their own facilities. This guidance just doesn’t get the cleared contractor ready for the inspection, but when applied, it solidifies a sound and proven security program. The following article covers public disclosure of information pertinent to a classified contract. This is one area where a contractor can get jammed up unless addressed properly. Unde...