Office of Security Assistance
(Reports to the Office of Security Technology and Assistance)

Mission and Functions

Mission

The Office of Security Assistance provides safeguards and security technical assistance and system support to Headquarters and field elements for the enhancement of the Department's security posture. Participates in site safeguards and security validation and verification reviews, Site Assistance Visits (SAV) and Technical Assistance Visits (TAV) for Departmental facilities, as requested. Conducts inspections of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) to certify to the accreditation official that all new or substantially modified facilities meet national and Departmental physical and technical security standards. Manages and directs technical assistance and system support to field and Headquarters elements for information protection related to: Classified Matter Protection and Control (CMPC), Operations Security (OPSEC), Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information, and Official Use Only information. Manages and directs technical assistance and system support to field and Headquarters elements for Target Analysis, Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Characterization and Material Control and Accountability (MC&A) in coordination with HSS offices. Manages and directs technical assistance and system support to field and Headquarters elements for program management and support related to Construction Project and Enhancement Reviews. Manages and directs technical assistance and system support to field and Headquarters elements for program management and support related to the DBT Policy. Manages and directs technical assistance and system support to field and Headquarters elements for program Management and support related to Facility Approval and Registration of Activities; Incident Reporting and Management; Integrated Safeguards and Security Management (ISSM); Resolution of Findings; Security Awareness; Site Safeguards and Security Plans (SSSP); Threat Assessment and Vulnerability Assessments. Manages and directs technical assistance and system support to field and Headquarters elements for Protection Operations related to Physical Security, Protective Force and Security Systems. Manages the Incident Tracking and Analysis Capability (ITAC) System. Manages the Safeguards and Security Information Management System (SSIMS). Provides subject matter experts to Departmental Headquarters and field elements to assist with periodic survey, self-assessment and audit requirements as requested. Provides technical assistance to field and Headquarters elements for safeguards and security construction projects, safeguards and security enhancements, and vulnerability assessments and "red team" adversary simulation support. Provides technical and policy support for the development, promulgation and implementation of the Design Basis Threat policy and Adversary Capabilities List to headquarters and field site elements.