Acsso - Ccs

Who are we?

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers supporting federal decision making – two serving the Department of Defense and one serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States.  IDA assists the United States Government in addressing important national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results.      

Why work at IDA?

Our primary sponsor is the Department of Defense and the classified work that is done at IDA must be kept secure. Our Security team are the first line of defense against leaks of classified information and for maintaining a safe and orderly work environment for our employees. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the national defense community. As a member of our security team at IDA, you work for IDA and not a contractor. We strive to maintain a strong team dynamic and level of mutual respect.

Employment Opportunity

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) IDA/CCS has an immediate opening for an ACSSO (Assistant Contractor Special Security Officer) position located in Bowie, MD. This full time, exempt position at IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $81,475-$130,360.  Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Benefits at IDA

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 11% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 11 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Under the direction of the Security Manager, develops and proposes procedures for the provision of physical security of classified information and for the physical protection of employees, assets, and property.  Assesses vulnerabilities and works with the Security Manager to provide options and recommendations for alterations, improvements and security integrity.

2. Administers special security actions; investigates security violations including all internal required inquiries, oversees visitor control, prepares, coordinates and provides briefings, recommends and provides security training, coordinates the submission of all clearances and manages the transmission of clearances for IDA staff, visiting government representatives and the representatives of other industrial SCI facilities.

3. Supports and implements pertinent National and Sponsor directives; assists in providing technical guidance and direction on all special security and risk manners.

4. Administers all COMSEC programs, ensuring protection, determining and enforcing access to appropriate individuals based on clearance level and need to know.  Briefs staff members when appropriate.  Safeguards, accounts for, and maintains all COMSEC materials; those received, distributed, shipped and stored.  Conducts inventories on COMSEC materials including hardware, keying materials, and maintenance manuals.  Reports to applicable NSA offices of Records.  Maintains COMSEC accounts and records.

5. Responsible for the operation and security of the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP).  With the Security Manager, conducts SCIF self-inspections in preparation for security audits.

6. Oversees document control, managing the processing and life cycle of all materials, while coordinating the distribution of sponsor related materials.  Ensures that the proper logging, classification, authorization checks, and tracking systems are in place and followed.

7. Coordinates with division management and project leaders to ensure SCI tasks are supported and completed as directed by project sponsors.

8. Participates in the hiring process for security personnel, conducts performance reviews, recommends disciplinary actions as needed and resolves problems and discrepancies.

9. Maintains effective independent liaison with management and executive personnel in appropriate government and industrial organizations.

10. With guidance from the Security Manager, works with IDA/CCS leadership in addressing cross-functional issues and concerns. Works with the IDA Contracting Officer Representative on the preparation of the DoD Contract Security Classification Specification (DD 254) for the IDA contract and IDA classified subcontracts.

11. Compiles data and participates in the formulation of an annual budget for the Security Department; in conjunction with the Security Manager, provides appropriate financial management for all security related functions.

12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with full scope polygraph clearance is preferred.
• Completion of Sponsor’s Contractors Special Security Officer Course and COMSEC Custodian Training Course provided by National Security Agency is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree and two years experience or High School diploma and six years experience in special security and communications security environments to include interpreting and applying DCID, ICD, NISPOM (32 CFR Part 117) and other Intelligence Community and DoD Security Policies and Practices.
• Successful completion of Sponsor SCI Contractor Special Security Officer (CSSO), COMSEC training, and Indoctrination Overview Course Certification within six months of obtaining clearances.
• Must have extensive knowledge of building, accrediting and managing secure facilities across the IC Community.
• Supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally with diverse levels of staff and outside personnel.
• Demonstrated experience working in teams and/or matrix environment.
• Ability to manage sensitive projects and coordinate activities within deadlines.