Security Executive Blog

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, ...

The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) processes security clearances for organizations falling under the National Industrial Security Program ( NISP ). According to Executive Order 12968—Access to Classified Information, employees should not be granted access to classified information unless they possess a security clearance, have a need to know the classified information involved, received an initial security briefing and have signed a nondisclosure agreement. The Facility SecurityOfficer (FSO) is a position that the defense contractor must appoint during the Facility Clearance (FCL) approval process. The FSO implements a security program to protect classified in information. They also request investigations for employees who require a security clearance. What this means is, all cleared contractors must appoint an FSO. It could be the business owner in a small organization or an employee with an additional duty. The primary qualifications of an FSO are to be a US ...

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 ...