Security Executive Blog

I recently interviewed Joe and Terri Farkas, the owners of The Management Analysis Network. Both have built a thriving business based on their expertise in risk management, program protection, and security. Security Classification Guides (SCG) and DD Forms 254 are there to provide classification guidance and an expectation of how the Cleared Defense Contractor (CDC) is expected to perform on classified work. The MAN, recommends that the CDC and FSO become involved in classification guidance activities such as helping build SCGs and set expectations for the DD Form 254. Some practical ways to participate include asking classification questions, challenging classification guidance as appropriate, and other measures to ensure classified information is classified appropriately to protect it as well as ensure resources are not wasted through over-classification efforts. FSOs can sit in on classification discussions and provide guidance on what should and should not be classified to in...

DSS provides initial training and special briefings to the FSO. The FSO is then authorized to provide the training to the cleared employees. According to NISPOM , the FSO is also required to attend the DSS mandated FSO Program Management Course within one year of appointment. This means that cleared contractors should be prepared to send a designated FSO to the DSS Academy for the training, or take the training on line. Either way, the FSO must be certified. DSS provides new courses designed for FSOs of possessing and non-possessing facilities. FSOs should coordinate with their DSS representative to determine the training that’s right for their situation. The training is designed to prepare the FSO to implement and direct a NISPOM based security program in their cleared contractor facility including, but not limited to the following topics: Protecting classified material – The proper receipt, accountability, storage, dissemination and destruction of classified material. ...