Frequently Asked Questions
- What is DSS?
- What is the mission of the Defense Security Service?
- How does DSS contribute to national security?
- When was DSS established?
- What is DSS's budget?
- Where is DSS located?
- Who is the director of DSS?
- Who does DSS report to?
- What kinds of information can I find on the DSS website?
- What kinds of jobs are available at DSS?
- How do I apply for a job at DSS?
- How do I find information about Facility Clearance?
- How do I find information about Security Education?
- How do I find information about Personnel Security Clearances?
- How do I do business with DSS?
1. What is DSS?
The Defense Security Service (DSS) is an agency of the Department of Defense (DoD) located in Quantico, Virginia with field offices throughout the United States. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence provides authority, direction and control over DSS. DSS provides the military services, Defense Agencies, 30 federal agencies and approximately 13,500 cleared contractor facilities with security support services.
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2. What is the mission of DSS?
The Defense Security Service (DSS) strengthens national security at home and
abroad through our security oversight and education operations. DSS
oversees the protection of U.S. and foreign classified information and
technologies in the hands of cleared industry under the National Industrial
Security Program by providing professional risk management services. As
Functional Manager for the Department of Defense (DoD), DSS provides
security education, training, certification, and professional development
for DoD and for other U.S. Government personnel, contractor employees, and
representatives of foreign governments.
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3. How does DSS contribute to national security?
The Director of the Defense Security Service (DSS) administers the NISP (established by EO 12829) on behalf of the Secretary of Defense and user agencies. In conjunction with these responsibilities, DSS is responsible for assessing and monitoring the contractors, licensees, and grantees that require access to classified information. DSS Industrial Security personnel provide oversight and assistance to cleared contractor facilities and assist management and Facility Security Officers in ensuring the protection of U.S. and foreign classified information. DSS also facilitates classified shipments between the United States and foreign countries and implements foreign ownership, control and influence countermeasures.
The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) is located in Linthicum, Md., and provides security education and training to DoD security professionals through formal classroom and distributed learning methodologies (i.e., computer-based, web-based and tele-training).
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4. When was DSS established?
DSS, formerly known as the Defense Investigative Service or DIS, was
established on Jan. 1, 1972, to consolidate DoD personnel security
investigations in one organization. On Oct. 2, 1980, the Defense
Industrial Security Program was transferred to DIS from the Defense
Logistics Agency and DIS began to train personnel through the Defense
Industrial Security Institute. The Personnel Security Investigations
(PSI) Program was transferred to the Office of Personnel Management on
Feb. 20, 2005.
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5. What is DSS's budget?
DSS is authorized 894 personnel and a FY16 budget of $537 million.
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6. Where is DSS located?
DSS Headquarters are located at 27130 Telegraph Rd., Quantico, Va. 22134.
The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE), is located in
Linthicum, Md. DSS also has Industrial Security Representatives located
across the United States in field locations spread across four geographic
regions.
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7. Who is the director of DSS?
Mr. Daniel E. Payne was named director of DSS effective March 21, 2016.
Read Mr. Payne's biography.
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8. Who does DSS report to?
DSS is an agency of the Department of Defense, which reports to the
Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD[I]).
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9. What kinds of information can I find on the DSS website?
The DSS internet site seeks to provide the public with information
About Us, its mission, news, points of contact within the agency,
press releases, and upcoming events and conferences. It is also a tool
for cleared contractors to stay current on DSS initiatives and
programs.
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10. What kinds of jobs are available at DSS?
DSS offers interesting and challenging work for people with an interest in contributing to the security of the United States. The workforce consists primarily of Industrial Security Representatives who interact with cleared contractors to advise, assist, and ensure that classified information is protected appropriately; information technology (IT) professionals who certify and accredit IT systems in industry which process classified information; and, counterintelligence (CI) specialists and analysts who provide CI support to cleared facilities. DSS also has jobs in support roles in such fields as information technology, security, financial management, public affairs, and administration.
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11. How do I apply for a job at DSS?
See our Careers at Defense Security Service or view Job Opportunity Announcements at http://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Search/GetResults?OrganizationID=DD12.
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12. How do I find information about Facility Clearance?
Go to Facility Clearances FAQ's section
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13. How do I find information about Security Education?
Visit the CDSE FAQ's section
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14. How do I find information about Personnel Security Clearances?
Find PSC Info here
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