Facility Security Officer; FSO

A Facility Security Officer (FSO) is responsible for the overall protection of an organization’s physical assets, personnel, and sensitive information. In government-contracting environments, the role is highly specialized, focusing on maintaining the company’s Facility Security Clearance (FCL) and ensuring compliance with federal mandates like the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).

Core Responsibilities

• Compliance Management:
  Administer the security program in accordance with 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM) and other federal regulations.
• Personnel Security:
  Process and track security clearances through government databases like DISS/NBIS , JPAS , and e-QIP .
• Access Control:
  Manage facility entry protocols, monitor CCTV systems, and regulate access to restricted or classified areas.
• Security
  
  Education:
  
  Develop and conduct mandatory training, including initial briefings, annual refreshers, and Insider Threat mitigation programs.
• Information Safeguarding:
  Oversee the proper marking, storage, transmission, and destruction of classified documents and materials.
• Audit & Inspection:
  Conduct regular self-inspections and serve as the primary point of contact for audits by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) .
• Emergency Liaison:
  Act as the main contact for law enforcement and emergency services during security incidents or facility evacuations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship: A legal requirement for FSOs in cleared facilities.
• Security Clearance:
  Typically required to hold an active Secret or Top Secret clearance to handle classified information.
• DCSA Training:
  Mandatory completion of specialized FSO curricula via the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE).
• Soft Skills:
  
  Strong analytical abilities, problem-solving, and the ability to maintain calm and decisive leadership during emergencies.

Common Professional Certifications

• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) through ASIS International.
• Industrial Security Professional (ISP) through the National Classification Management Society.
• Physical Security Professional (PSP) for expertise in physical security assessments