DISS RELEASE 13.2

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Nov. 17, 2020 —

On Monday, November 16, 2020, DCSA released Defense Information System for Security (DISS) version 13.2. The release implements enhancements, updates, and fixes to all DISS subsystems, including the Case Adjudication Tracking System (CATS), Joint Verification System (JVS), and Appeals Module. New and improved functionality and business rules allow DCSA to better manage subject eligibility and users to better view subject investigation and adjudication results from federal agencies so that unnecessary investigations and adjudications are not performed. This version also launches two pilots for Investigation Request submissions with Navy and industry. Release 13.2 includes the following updates:

• Security and Investigations Index (SII) Across JVS, CATS, and Appeals: Release 13.2 creates a new Security and Investigations Index (SII) search function to display a subject’s investigation and adjudication results from the Central Verification System (CVS). This enhances reciprocity and avoids unnecessary investigation and/or adjudication on a subject as most federal agencies outside of DoD who perform security and suitability adjudications send their investigation and adjudication information details through CVS.

• Joint Verification System (JVS): Release 13.2 adds the ability to mass indoctrinate, transfer, and/or debrief subjects with one single action.\

• Case Adjudication Tracking System (CATS):

o Release 13.2 now enables eligibility to be entered once an SF-86 is released to the Investigation Service Provider (ISP). DISS previously required a confirmation response that an investigation was scheduled before an interim eligibility could be entered.

o Release 13.2 adds historical investigation types including SSBI, PPR, SAC, ANACI, NACLC, and SBPR for users granting interim eligibility. DISS previously did not allow interim eligibility to be entered based on historic investigation types.

o Release 13.2 allows the option to select “Eligibility Pending” in the Interim Adjudication Level drop-down menu.

o Release 13.2 adds automatic priority tagging for all approved Reciprocity Customer Service Requests (CSR).

• News and Announcements. Release 13.2 adds news and announcements to each DISS application “About” tab. Users should review the JVS, CATS, and Appeals “About” tabs for updates. If you have DISS questions, please reach out to DCSA.ContactCenter@mail.mil DCSA will update on Release 13.3 and additional functionality updates in the coming weeks.

VROC Interim Determination Update

Oct. 30, 2020 - At the beginning of October, the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) disabled the adjudication function in JPAS. Unfortunately, this action inadvertently disabled the Interim Eligibility determination function. As a result, the ability of the Vetting Risk Operations Center (VROC) to issue Interim Eligibility for Industry in JPAS was impacted resulting in longer than usual lead times for interim determinations. On October 23, DMDC restored the Interim Eligibility determination function, but the "eligibility pending" entry, used when an interim eligibility cannot be granted, is no longer available. VROC has since resumed issuing favorable interims to industry. In the absence of the capability to post "eligibility pending," VROC will leave the eligibility field blank if an interim determination cannot be granted.

Operation Warp Speed Industry Partner Toolkit Now Available

Oct. 6, 2020 - On September 30 the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE), in cooperation with multiple other agencies involved in Operation Warp Speed (OWS), has created a new toolkit specifically for those industry partners involved in OWS and available to the greater U.S. pharmaceutical sector. The toolkit contains a full suite of resources that address counterintelligence, cybersecurity, insider risk, industrial security, risk management, information security, operations security, personnel security, and physical security. The toolkit is available at https://www.cdse.edu/toolkits/ows/index.html.

Transfer of vetting IT systems

Sept. 17, 2020 - David L. Norquist, performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary of Defense (DEPSECDEF), issued a memorandum on January 28, 2019, stating that the following information technology systems supporting the Defense Vetting Enterprise were to transfer from the DHRA/Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) to DCSA effective October 1, 2020. The vetting IT systems are: the Defense Information System for Security (DISS); the Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission system (SWFT), the Investigative Records Repository (iIRR), and the Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII). As a result of this transfer, the URLs for webpages related to system status, frequently asked questions, and other information will change. Users should update their bookmarks with the new landing pages on October 1, 2020: Click the title for more information.

DCSA Windows Upgrade Guidance

Sept. 11, 2020 - The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) Authorization Office (NAO) has posted the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Windows Upgrade Guidance Memorandum. The memorandum provides Industry with guidance for upgrading DCSA authorized systems containing Microsoft Corporation operating systems that reached End of Life (EOL) on January 20, 2020. The memorandum is posted here: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/ctp/tools/ (RMF Tab). If you have questions or concerns, contact your assigned Information Systems Security Professional (ISSP).

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Assessment and Authorization Process Manual Version 2.2

Aug. 31, 2020 - The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) Authorization Office (NAO) is pleased to announce the release of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Assessment and Authorization Process Manual (DAAPM) Version 2.2. The updates focused on Section 9.8 - Federal Information Systems and Section 13 - Type Authorization. The manual becomes effective on August 31, 2020, and supersedes all previous versions. Click title for more information