PDSD
controls access
to classified information
by establishing
and implementing
USDA's "Access
to Classified Information"
program as required
under Executive
Orders 12968 --
"Access to
Classified Information"
(PDF; 96 Kb). Responsibilities
include:
Establishing
and implementing
the personnel
security process
for conducting
background investigations
and, adjudicating
cases to determine
eligibility for
access to national
security classified
information, as
well as issuing,
suspending, and
revoking security
clearances for
USDA personnel.
Investigating
and adjudicating
possible breaches
in security within
USDA that are
determined to
be violations
of Federal laws,
and/or Departmental
regulations, policies,
and procedures
pertaining to
safeguarding of
national security.
Promulgating
USDA-wide policies
and regulations
related to access
to national security
information, including
the issuance of
security clearances.
Providing
technical support
on security clearance
matters to USDA
agencies and staff
offices.
PDSD is responsible
for establishing
and implementing
USDA's "Suitability
for Employment"
program. Responsibilities
include:
Establishing
and implementing
the personnel
security process
for conducting
background investigations
and adjudicating
cases to determine
the suitability
for USDA employees
to incumber a
public trust positions
in accordance
with applicable
Federal laws as
well as Office
of Personnel Management
(OPM) and Departmental
regulations, policies,
and procedures.
Promulgating
policies and regulations
for USDA concerning
security clearances
and suitability
for public trust
positions.
Providing
technical support
on suitability
for federal employment
matters to USDA
agencies and staff
offices.
Requesting
that OPM conduct
background investigations.
.gif){kind=spacer}
PDSD
controls access
to classified information
by establishing
and implementing
USDA's "Access
to Classified Information"
program as required
under 
.gif){kind=spacer}
|