Top Seven DCSA Training Requirements for FSOs

Because of the magnitude involved in working with classified information about our national security, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), in conjunction with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), has set numerous submission and sponsorship standards to acquire and maintain a Facility Security Clearance (FCL). Arguably, one of the most tedious is the DCSA…

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Federal Contractors: How SEAD 3 Helps with New Reporting Guidance

As part of a way to mitigate against evolving insider threats to national security information, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) implemented the Security Executive Agent Directive 3 — commonly referred to as SEAD 3. The directive, which became effective June 12th, 2017, created reporting requirements for defense contractors and employees who have access to classified information.…

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What’s New in 2022? Security Predictions for Cleared Facilities

2021 was an eventful year for cleared facilities, bringing new federal security legislation driven by changing trends in technology and the workforce. With rising cybersecurity threats and international conflict on the horizon, 2022 is shaping up to be just as disruptive, and FSOs must be prepared. Today, FSOs stand at the front line of America’s…

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The History of DISS and the Future of Clearance Reform

After more than a decade of preparation, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) finally rolled out the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) this March. Fulfilling a major goal of the Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative, DISS has risen to replace the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) as the Defense Department’s security clearance and access database, solving…

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FSOs in a New Age of Counterterrorism

Terrorism as a global phenomenon is winding down. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), the number of worldwide terror attacks has been on the decline since 2014. But now, U.S policymakers are turning their attention to the rise of “domestic terrorism” incidents around the country, which could lead us into a new era of counterterrorism efforts.…

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FSO Tip of the Month: Meet DCSA Counterintelligence Requirements

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) took off running after it was established to replace the Defense Security Service (DSS) in 2019. Since then, it has taken on 95% of background investigations for the U.S government while working to create new security standards for federal agencies and contractors associated with the Department of Defense…

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