NARA Privacy Act Systems: NARA 24
SYSTEM NAME: Personnel Security Files.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: Some of the material contained in this system of records has been classified in the interests of national security pursuant to Executive Orders 12958 and 13142.
SYSTEM LOCATION: Personnel security records are located in the Space and Security Management Division at the National Archives at College Park, MD.
CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM: Individuals covered by the system include: current and former NARA employees; applicants for employment with NARA; contract employees performing services under NARA jurisdiction; and private and Federal agency researchers, experts, and consultants who request access to security-classified records.
CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: Personnel security files may include questionnaires, correspondence, summaries of reports, and electronic logs of individuals' security clearance status. These records may contain the following information about an individual: name, current address, telephone number, birthdate, birthplace, social security number, educational background, employment and residential history, background investigative material, and security clearance data.
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: Executive Order 10450; Executive Order 12958; Executive Order 12968; Executive Order 13142; and 5 U.S.C. 301.
ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES: NARA maintains personnel security records on individuals as a basis for determining suitability for Federal or contractual employment and for issu-ing and recertifying security clearances. Routine use statement C, described in Appendix A following the NARA Notices, applies to this system of records.
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
STORAGE: Paper, microfiche, and electronic records.
RETRIEVABILITY: Information in the records may be retrieved by the name of the individual or by social security number.
SAFEGUARDS: During business hours, paper and microfiche records are maintained in locked rooms and/or in three-way combination dial safes with access limited to authorized employees. Electronic records are accessible via passwords from terminals located in secured offices. Information is released only to officials on a need-to-know basis. After hours, buildings have security guards and/or doors are secured, and all entrances are monitored by electronic surveillance equipment.
RETENTION AND DISPOSAL: Personnel security files are temporary records and are destroyed in accordance with the disposition instructions in the NARA records schedule contained in FILES 203, the NARA Files Maintenance and Records Disposition Manual. Individuals may request a copy of the disposition instructions from the NARA Privacy Act Officer.
SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS: The system manager is: Assistant Archivist for Administrative Services, Administrative Services (NA). The address for this location is listed in Appendix B following the NARA notices.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE: Individuals interested in inquiring about their records should notify the NARA Privacy Act Officer at the address listed in Appendix B following the NARA notices.
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: Individuals who wish to gain access to their records should submit their request in writing to the NARA Privacy Act Officer at the address listed in Appendix B.
CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES: NARA rules for contesting the contents and appealing initial determinations are found in 36 CFR part 1202.
RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES: Information in personnel security files may be obtained from: NARA employees; applicants for employment; contractor employees; private and Federal agency researchers, experts, and consultants; law enforcement agencies; other government agencies; intelligence sources; informants; educational institutions; and individuals' employers, references, co-workers, and neighbors.
SYSTEMS EXEMPTED FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ACT: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a (k)(1), (k)(2), and (k)(5), the personnel security case files in this system of records are exempt from subsections (c)(3); (d); (e)(1); (e)(4)(G), (H), and (I); and (f) of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. The system is exempt:
a. To the extent that the system consists of investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes; however, if any individual is denied any right, privilege, or benefit to which the individual would otherwise be eligible as a result of the maintenance of such material, such material shall be provided to such individual, except to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a person who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the person would be held in confidence, or, prior to the effective date of the Act, under an implied promise that the identity of the person would be held in confidence; and
b. To the extent that the system consists of investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian employment, military service, Federal contracts, or access to classified material, but only to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a person who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the person would be held in confidence, or, prior to the effective date of the Act, under an implied promise that the identity of the person would be held in confidence. This system has been exempted to maintain the efficacy and integrity of lawful investigations conducted pursuant to the responsibilities of the National Archives and Records Administration in the areas of Federal employment, Government contracts, and access to security-classified information.
