HomeInformation SystemsNational Industrial Security System (NISS)

National Industrial Security System (NISS)

The National Industrial Security System (NISS) deployed on Oct. 1, 2018, replacing Industrial Security Facilities Database (ISFD) and Electronic Facilities Clearance System (e-FCL), and is the DCSA System of Record for industrial security oversight accessible by Industry, Government, and DCSA personnel.
 
NISS can be accessed through NCAISS here (https://ncaiss.dss.mil/). 
 
For information about registration, training, capabilities, and other details please review the sections below.
 
If you have any problems with the system usage, please contact the Knowledge Center at: 888-282-7682, options 2 and then 2.

NISS is DCSA’ future information system architecture and will replace Industrial Security Facilities Database (ISFD) and Electronic Facilities Clearance System (e-FCL) capabilities to develop an on-demand, data-driven environment with automated workflows accessible to Industry and Government partners.

NISS is being developed and released in increments, allowing users to experience benefits quickly. The initial increment of NISS will replace and expand upon capabilities of two legacy systems, ISFD and e-FCL, and automate the Initial Facility Clearance process. This increment will also provide expanded access and transparency to security professionals’ facility information. Increment 1 will be followed by additional enhancements to the system’s functionality and integration, ultimately automating many core DCSA and Industry security functions.

NISS solution has been developed in-line with Deputy Chief Management Officer (DCMO) requirements to maximize value while minimizing costs. DCSA conducted Business Process Reengineering (BPR) of 22 core DCSA functions to create streamlined and efficient workflows. The BPR efforts engaged over 300 DCSA, Industry, and Government stakeholders to generate true system requirements tied to optimized business processes.

NISS is a top DCSA priority and will modernize the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) Information Environment and provide the USG and Industry stakeholders with a data-driven, collaborative, integrated capability to assess and mitigate risk.

NISS registration for Industry and Government accounts begins October 8, 2018.

NISS requires two factor authentication by using a CAC/PKI/ECA, etc. to log on.

Registration is two-fold:

1.  First, users will obtain an National Industrial Security Program (NISP) Central Access Information Security System (NCAISS)account. For information about registering for an NCAISS account, click here.

2.  Second, users will obtain a NISS account through the NCAISS system. Once the user logs in to NCAISS, the user can request a NISS account using the “Create/Modify Requests” button.

  Instructions on how to register for a NISS account can be viewed here:

  • DCSA: See Instructions on the DCSA NISS Intranet Page
  • For instructions on how to update your name or email address associated with your NCAISS account, click here to access the instruction guide.

 

The following user roles will be available for External users. An external user can request multiple roles, if required for their job duties.

Facility Clearance Verifiers

  • Facility Clearance Verifier – Government Contracting Activity (GCA)
  • Facility Clearance Verifier – Other Government Activity (OGA)
  • Facility Clearance Verifier – Industry

Facility Clearance Sponsors

  • Sponsor – Government Contracting Activity (GCA)
  • Sponsor – Industry

Industry Security Staff

  • Corporate Security Officer
  • Facility Security Officer (FSO)
  • Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO)
  • Other Security Staff

Key Management Personnel (KMP)

 

  • Increased transparency for Industry and Government stakeholders
  • Ability for stakeholders to review facility clearance information, requests, communications, and results with DCSA in one location
  • Expedited performance against classified contracts
  • Streamlined business processes, including facility clearance (FCL) processing
  • Enhanced FOCI mitigation processing
  • Improved processing of information system approvals
  • Automatic notifications and alerts
  • Upcoming security vulnerability assessments (SVA) alerts, reminders for outstanding submissions to DCSA
  • Dashboard feature
  • Ability to monitor and track tasks and view real time facility data
  • History of facility security information
  • Ability to review company’s results, documentation, and interactions with DCSA
  • Utilizes Single Sign-On (SSO) Capabilities (NCAISS)
  • Reporting features and capabilities
  • Role based access to information

The National Industrial Security System (NISS) External User Training is now available in STEPP!  Log into STEPP to view this course.

Additionally, training job aids are available for Industry and Government users within the NISS application. Examples include: How to Submit a Sponsorship Request, How to Submit a Facility Verification Request, and How to Message my ISR. Please note, this is not an all-encompassing list of training products.

Contact the DCSA Knowledge Center at 888-282-7682 and select Option 2, then Option 2. The DCSA Knowledge Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

 

About NISS

I am a Government user, what is NISS and how will it affect my agency?

NISS is the National Industrial Security System. It will replace ISFD and e-FCL and be used for Facility Clearance Sponsorship Request submissions and Facility Clearance Verifications.

I am an Industry user, what is NISS and how will it affect my company?

NISS is the National Industrial Security System. It will replace ISFD and e-FCL, and be used for Facility Clearance Sponsorship Request submissions, Facility Clearance Verifications, Facility Clearance Package Submissions, Annual Self Inspection Certifications, reviewing information associated with your facility, and reporting of Change Conditions, Security Violations, and Suspicious Contact Reports.

When can I begin using the system?

NISS will be available for Industry and Government users on October 8, 2018.

 

Legacy Systems & NISS

How will e-FCL and ISFD interact with NISS?

Both of these systems will be replaced by NISS. The data and functionality contained within e-FCL and ISFD will migrate to NISS.

What happens to the information I submitted in e-FCL, will it be available in NISS?

Yes. Upon system deployment ISFD and e-FCL data will migrate into NISS.

 

Working in NISS

How will e-FCL and ISFD interact with NISS?

Both of these systems will be replaced by NISS. The data and functionality contained within e-FCL and ISFD will migrate to NISS.

What happens to the information I submitted in e-FCL, will it be available in NISS?

Yes. Upon system deployment ISFD and e-FCL data will migrate into NISS.

How do I switch between different roles in NISS?

You will be able to change roles using your dashboard in NISS with the “Click Here to Change Role” link. When you login to NISS, it will default to the role from your last session. While in NISS, the available functions are limited to the last role that you chose. For example, A Sponsor will be able to submit new sponsorship packages and view existing sponsorship packages. An FSO will be offered different system functions, such as submitting Change Conditions or messaging your ISR.

Will I use NISS to submit Facility Verification Requests?

Yes, upon full deployment, NISS will be the official System of Record for Facility Clearance information. If you currently submit Facility Clearance Verification Requests in ISFD, then upon NISS deployment, you will use NISS to submit and view verification requests.

 

Access & Accounts

How will I log into NISS?

You will first log into NCAISS (the authentication platform), and then into the NISS Application (similar to logging into STEPP or ISFD today). You will log in using a PKI/CAC/ECA certificate. Username and password is not allowed. In order to log in or register for an NCAISS account, click here.

Can I request a NCAISS account now?

Yes, you can register for an NCAISS account now. Click here for more information.

Can I register for a NISS account and roles now?

You may register for a NISS role beginning October 8, 2018. Shorts are available under the Registration tab to assist in this process.

If I have an account in ISFD, do I have to register for a NISS account?

Yes, you must register for a NISS account. NISS resides on the NCAISS platform, so you also will need an NCAISS account. ISFD will be shut down upon NISS deployment.

If I have an account in e-FCL, do I have to register for a NISS account?

Yes, you must register for a NISS account. NISS resides on the NCAISS platform, so you also will need an NCAISS account. e-FCL will be shut down upon NISS deployment.

If I am an FSO for multiple CAGE Codes, how many accounts will I need?

If you have job duties at multiple cleared facilities, you will need only one NISS account. Your one NISS account can have multiple roles, requested in NCAISS. Upon log in, you have the ability to choose which CAGE Code and role you need during that session.

 

Getting Help

Is system training available?

The National Industrial Security System (NISS) External User Training Course (Course ID: IS127.16) is now available in STEPP! Log into STEPP to view this course. Additionally, training shorts will be available for Industry and Government users within the NISS application. Examples include: How to Submit a Sponsorship Request, How to Submit a Facility Verification Request, and How to Message my ISR.

Who do I contact when I have access issues?

Please contact the Call Center at 888-282-7682 and select Option #2, then Option #2 again when you have issues regarding access or login for NCAISS and NISS.

For more information, who should I contact?

Contact the DCSA Knowledge Center at 888-282-7682 and select Option 2, then Option 2.  The DCSA Knowledge Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Is NISS training required for FSOs?

After NISS deployment, e-FCL and ISFD training will be removed from the required FSO curricula and replaced with the NISS External User Training Course. Any new FSOs and current FSOs who have not completed their curricula will be required to take this course in lieu of the ISFD and e-FCL training courses.