RE: Personnel Shortage Hindering Net Security

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

Forwarded from: Thomas Roy Garner <thomasroygarner () yahoo com>

The current process for completing a TS package runs about 18 months
(not exact, mind you).  There is a process for completing a package,
which (in its basic form) consists of Standard Form (SF) 86, finger
print cards (two sets), DD 1879 (depends), Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) Cover Sheet.

We use Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire (EPSQ) version 2.2
( http://www.dss.mil/epsq/index.htm )and for those that have NEVER
filled out an SF 86, EPSQ is very anal about full names, addresses,
telephone numbers.

General process for first timer is, member fills out SF 86, turns in
to security office, security office validates SF 86, notifies member
of any corrections (as needed), member corrects (as needed), turns in
SF 86, conduct pre-screening interview (runs about 1 hours), sign all
supporting documents, finger print, make four copies of the entire
package and mail to OPM via registered 1st class mail, wait for
registered receipt from OPM and now package is considered "OPEN
STATUS" and set your watches and wait for the results.

Also, if you are married to non-US citizen, that requires MORE
documentation to fill out.  If you ever visited a foreign country
(other than California (har har)), then you have to list the
countries, date of visit, reason for visit (education, pleasure,
business, etc.).  THIS is the stickler for delaying a package, b/c
agents from those countries have to investigate your visit.  This
process (one could say outsourcing to field agents?) can really delay
a package, for results have to be compiled on all those visits! :)

I started processing clearances in January 2002 and as of this date,
have not had one completed yet (all are still in "open status"),
granted it has only been a couple of months, but it DOES take time.

So, if one is ever thinking about starting a SF 86, remember that
you'll need full names, addresses, date of births, telephone numbers,
personnel that knew you (for initial TS) for the past 10 years.  If
you leave out any of that information, your package runs the risk of
being rejected by your security officer, OPM or even Field Agents, and
a rejected package means delayment in the processing.

Also, and here is the really fun part, the "cost of doing business"
feature, these investigations are not cheap, I've seen very high cost
for an investigation (on a new person), so this should ring bells as
to why personnel that have HAD a clearance in the military are sought
after?  Why? Well if you have had a security clearance, and are
applying for a job that requires one, well you will save your company
$$$$$$ (thousands) in fees that are charged to investigate you.  So,
if you have had a clearance, make sure you SPECIFY that on your SF 86
(yes, there is a block for that).

------

Side note:  SFO Airport workers are grumbling that non-US workers are
being targeted, guess what?  In order to have a TS, you have to be a
member of the US!  So, if you are working in an airport and you are
not a US citizen (many reasons as to why one is not a US citizen),
then you MAY (MAY MAY MAY MAY) not be able to keep that job.  
Federalizing the Airport Personnel, has caused a BIG sticky point in
this situation, and remember when picketing its not the Secretary's
idea to federalize all airport personnel, thank our government! :)  
Better rush off and check the status of your US Citizenship paperwork!



Thomas Roy Garner
SETIPRIME ( http://www.setiprime.com )
4580576 (ICQ)/thomasroygarner (Y!)

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-isn () attrition org [mailto:owner-isn () attrition org]On Behalf
Of InfoSec News
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2002 4:21 AM
To: isn () attrition org
Subject: Re: [ISN] Personnel Shortage Hindering Net Security


Forwarded from: H C <keydet89 () yahoo com>

There isn't a shortage of experienced security personnel...simply
check any of the sites listing jobs in the DC Metro area.  The gov't
is opening up positions to via contract vehicles, and constracting
firms are trying to fill them...but the only steadfast requirement in
any of the postings is a *current* TS clearence.

[snip]



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