Why Facility Security Compliance is Critical For Government and Defense Contractors

Protecting National Security and Sensitive Missions

The responsibility for protecting the security of our country is shared by both the government and Defense Contractors. While Defense and Intelligence operations are supported through the use of Government Facilities, many of the items in Government Facilities contain classified information, are sensitive in nature, and support personnel who perform duties in support of National Defense and Intelligence. The requirement for compliance with security standards for Government Facilities helps ensure that access to Government Facilities containing classified information is secured and monitored; Some of the physical security measures employed include; a secure perimeter around each of these facilities, controlled access points and entry doors to those facilities, closed circuit television systems to monitor activity within the Facility, and methods to limit access to classified material.

By compromising the security of a Government Facility, the compromiser could potentially expose that Facility to a variety of issues related to espionage and sabotage efforts. Adversaries are actively seeking to locate and compromise Government Facilities in an effort to gather intelligence on military operations (Defensive/Counters/Counteroffensive Military Operations), and subsequently, to prevent or degrade those same Military Operations. The enforcement of Facility Security Standards (FMDS) provides the Defense Contractor with minimal risk of security breach and will allow Defense Contractors to assist in strengthening the capabilities of the United States National Defense Strategy as well.

Meeting Regulatory and Contractual Requirements

Contractors that provide services to government agencies must meet a wide range of security requirements set forth by the government. Government agencies have established a system of regulatory compliance for contractors utilizing audits, inspections, and continuous monitoring by the regulatory agency to enforce compliance. The contractor must adhere to a variety of compliance requirements, such as facility clearance, access control, personnel authorization, and reporting incidents. Non-compliance may result in fines, revocation of their facility’s security clearance, or contract cancellation.

Compliance with facility security requirements is a good indicator of how seriously an organization takes the regulatory environment in which it operates. In addition to demonstrating an understanding of the regulatory environment, compliance also signifies a commitment to safely and responsibly maintain the necessary environment for supporting government operations. Contractors that consistently meet the compliance requirements are likely to keep their existing contracts as well as gain access to new opportunities, while noncompliant contractors face increased scrutiny and operational risks.

Safeguarding Classified and Sensitive Information

Facilities play a key role in the protection of all types of information during its entire life cycle. Sensitive information is frequently accessed, talked about, and stored in non-digital locations, even within most digital facilities. Security compliance requires that a facility has been created and managed in such a way that sensitive information is not made available through an unauthorized release. Controlled Document Handling Procedures, Restricted Access Areas and Secure Rooms are some of the tools used to secure information from unintentional disclosure or theft of Classified and Controlled Unclassified Information.

Compliance also serves to ensure the integration of Physical Security Processes and Information Security Practices. When a facility is compliant with Information Security policies and procedures, it provides an organization with a layered defense against the possibility of compromise. The alignment between a facility and Information Security is essential for organizations that are Defense Contractors because the loss of sensitive information can have a negative effect on National, Operational, and Public Trust.

Reducing Insider and Physical Threat Risks

Many security threats do not come from outside the company; some threat risks come from insiders and can be either the product of intention or error. This type of threat risk is prevalent within government and defense organisations. Insiders may be able to bypass established security procedures and access sensitive information by simply having a legitimate Employee ID or employee badge. Facility security compliance reduces insider threat risks through personnel vetting, restricting access to specified facility locations, controlling who does and does not have access to the facilities, limiting who can visit other workplaces in the organisation, and increasing the likelihood of detecting unusual behaviour by using continuous access control measures. Facility security compliance provides facility security employees with the ability to identify and respond to threats rapidly and to investigate such activities before they become dangerous.

Facility security compliance also provides facility security to prevent theft, mischief, and sabotage against a facility. A facility security compliance framework places emphasis on monitoring and responding to potential threats, therefore allowing the facility security personnel to identify and act on a threat rapidly and thoroughly. The reduction of both insider and outside threat risks is part of facility security compliance to create a safe and secure workplace and environment.

Strengthening Trust, Reputation, and Operational Resilience

The compliance requirements for facility security will aid in establishing trust between contractors and government entities. The contractor is expected by the government to maintain secure and compliant facilities with established security measures, thus eliminating the need for constant monitoring of such facilities by the government. To establish trust and build long-term relationships with contractors, it is important that there be an established record of compliance for the contractor. A compliant contractor establishes itself as reliable, as a professional, and as a company that will protect sensitive business information or possess sensitive business assets.

The compliant contractor will also assist with operational resilience by assisting with preparing for emergencies or incidents that could disrupt the contractor’s ability to perform their work. Security plans developed by contractors will usually include emergency response processes, contingency plans and recovery strategies that enable the contractor to sustain business during crisis situations. For the contractors providing services to government and defense, being able to continue operations securely during adverse or uncontrolled situations is a contractual requirement and provides a competitive edge for contractors.

Conclusion

The way your facility complies with security measures represents the value placed on national security by your company’s management. By proactively showing compliance through a commitment to providing your company with the ability to manage all aspects of your facility, including mission-critical and sensitive missions, you will allow your company to decrease risk and increase trust between you and your customers. Dive Deep Security can provide a comprehensive array of security compliance services, so contact us today!