Office of Foreign Visits and Assignments
(Reports to the Office of Security Policy)

Mission and Functions

Mission
The Office of Foreign Visit and Assignments (FV&A) (1) manages the development of overall DOE FV&A policy and procedures; and (2) serves as the central DOE-wide accounting center for tracking and analyzing the details of all foreign visits and assignments.

Functions

• Represents the DOE on interagency committees/task forces involved in facilitating and/or developing mechanisms for automated exchange of information relating to foreign visits and assignments.
• Researches and analyzes new technologies, and applies new technologies to foreign visits and assignments as applicable.
• Conducts trend analyses on foreign visits and assignments activities and issues.
• Coordinates and facilitates the resolution of Indices Check issues involving specific foreign nationals with the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence when DOE program offices and field elements request assistance. Conducts indices check coordination concerning specific individuals with external agencies, as required.
• Coordinates requests for policy waivers/exclusions/exemptions with appropriate DOE authorities. Develops and coordinates supporting documentation and maintains applicable information.
• Coordinates requests for visits and assignments for foreign nationals from proscribed countries (e.g., state sponsors of terrorism), with appropriate DOE authorities and the Office of the Secretary. Develops and coordinates supporting documentation and maintains applicable information.
• Develops, coordinates and manages the central DOE process to ensure that all requirements for foreign visits and assignments (e.g., security, counterintelligence, intelligence, proliferation) and assignments are properly documented in the central DOE information system.
• Develops, implements, and coordinates a quality control program for foreign visits and assignments information. Manages office quality committees and coordinates with DOE field and contractor elements to ensure appropriate and effective information is developed and maintained.
• Manages and implements the process for approval of requests for high level protocol visits by Foreign Nationals with the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary and the Under Secretary. Coordinates with Headquarters security officials regarding Secretarial high level protocol foreign visits.
• Manages the foreign visits and assignments Help Desk, and coordinates responses relating to policies, procedures, and operations with the appropriate internal entities.
• Provides 24 hour notification to the Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer of breaches of policies and procedures that might have an impact on security effectiveness, when advised by field elements.
• Maintains and administers the DOE Foreign Access Central Tracking System (FACTS). Serves as the central DOE-wide accounting center to track and analyze all foreign visits and assignments to DOE sites, facilities and laboratories.
• Ensures foreign visits and assignments policy and procedures are accurately reflected in FACTS.
• Maintains policy for classified visits involving foreign nationals.