OverviewThe Facility Clearance (FCL) Sponsorship & Industrial Security Specialist serves as the subject matter expert responsible for guiding uncleared contractors through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) facility clearance process and onboarding them into the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). This position provides regulatory guidance, sponsorship support, vendor coaching, and program management oversight to ensure contractors achieve facility clearance eligibility efficiently and in full compliance with NISP requirements.
ResponsibilitiesFacility Clearance Sponsorship
- Prepare, assemble, and submit Government Contracting Activity (GCA) sponsorship packages through the National Industrial Security System (NISS).
- Develop and review supporting documentation, including DD Form 254s and Statements of Work (SOWs), ensuring sufficient justification for requested facility clearance levels.
- Coordinate with DCSA throughout the facility clearance review and adjudication process.
Vendor Onboarding and Security Program Guidance
- Serve as the primary advisor to newly appointed commercial Facility Security Officers (FSOs).
- Conduct onboarding briefings covering NISPOM requirements, the facility clearance lifecycle, Key Management Personnel (KMP) requirements, security responsibilities, and compliance expectations.
- Assist companies in identifying, appointing, and training qualified FSOs.
- Provide ongoing coaching to contractors regarding security program implementation and common compliance challenges.
NISS, NBIS, and e-APP Support
- Guide uncleared companies through registration and account setup within NISS, NBIS, and e-APP.
- Assist contractors in navigating system requirements, documentation submissions, and administrative processes necessary to support facility clearance actions.
- FOCI and Corporate Structure Review
- Review contractor ownership structures and organizational information to identify potential Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) concerns.
- Advise stakeholders on FOCI reporting requirements and mitigation considerations to minimize processing delays.
DD Form 254 Management
- Monitor DCSA facility clearance determinations, including interim and final approvals.
- Finalize, coordinate, route for signature, and distribute DD Form 254 documentation upon facility clearance issuance.
- Ensure DD-254 requirements accurately reflect contract security obligations.
Program Tracking and Reporting
- Maintain detailed records and status tracking for all sponsored contractors.
- Monitor KMP clearance progress, DCSA processing timelines, and facility clearance milestones.
- Provide regular status reports, risk assessments, and projected cleared-to-work dates to Program Managers and government stakeholders.
Skills RequiredSkills Required
- Minimum 10 years related experience required.
- Extensive experience with DCSA Facility Clearance Branch (FCB) processes and initial facility clearance sponsorship activities.
- Expert knowledge of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (32 CFR Part 117).
- Thorough understanding of facility clearance requirements, KMP designations, FOCI reporting, and SF-328 requirements.
- Demonstrated experience sponsoring companies for facility clearances or successfully managing uncleared contractors through the DCSA initial facility clearance process.
- Advanced proficiency with:
- National Industrial Security System (NISS)
- Defense Information System for Security (DISS)
- National Background Investigation Services (NBIS)
- e-APP
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex organizational structures and identify security compliance risks.
- Excellent communication, training, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple facility clearance actions simultaneously.
- Ability to prepare detailed reports, maintain tracking metrics, and communicate status updates to executive and program leadership.
- US Citizenship is required.
Education/Certification
- Required: Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Business Administration, Government, Criminal Justice, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industrial security experience.
- Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) FSO Program Management for Non-Possessing Facilities Curriculum (or Possessing Facilities equivalent).
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility and the ability to maintain the clearance throughout employment.
Preferred
- Security Professional Education Development (SPeD) Industrial Security Oversight Certification (ISOC).
- Additional industrial security, personnel security, or program management certifications.
- Prior experience supporting Government Contracting Activities (GCAs), defense contractors, or federal security programs.
Clearance Requirement
- Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility is required.
Salary Range: $105,000 - $120,000/Year/DOE
EducationBachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences.
