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We join with those who mourn the loss of life,  the injuries, and the disruption of lives caused  by the attacks  against Washington,  DC, and  New York, N.Y.    All those effected -- the brave people who helped in rescue efforts, those involved in America's response to terror and in the war with Iraq-- are in our thoughts and prayers.

It has been a busy few months for NCMS since our annual seminar last July. We are in the process of establishing three new chapters in Seattle, WA; Philadelphia, PA; and Las Vegas, NV.  That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that we’ve lost several chapters this year including San Diego. We have reassigned those members to the Los Angeles chapter. We are also developing a program to better serve members who are located long distances or several states from an established chapter. 

In October, the Memorandum of Understanding Group convened. Several speakers described the clearance backlog and efforts to resolve it. One of the areas being examined is the lag time between transmitting the EPSQ and the time DSS assigns it to an investigator who opens the case. Currently, this is 90-120 days. There is an effort to automatically open non-issue cases that would further reduce lag times during the investigation.

DSS described several reasons that would delay an investigation: the package is not properly labeled as ‘Industrial’. This causes DSS to assign the investigation in the wrong direction and must reroute it. Three other causes for delays include lack of release forms or illegible release forms, no fingerprints cards, and multiple submissions for the same individual. The record for multiple submissions is 52 for the same individual. DSS described the Industrial Security Operating Manual (ISOM) as an internal document and used solely to establish and maintain consistent standards within DSS. In those instances where contractors identify differences with inspection guidelines, contractors are to comply with the NISPOM. DSS has approved Industrial Security Letter 00L-1 and is posted on the DSS website 

DSS described several recommendations regarding the Cogswell Awards. While these are pending approval, it may be interesting to note the pertinent ones:
1. Eliminate the self-nomination option effective with the 2001 awards.
2. Limit the number of winners to 25-30 per year.
3. DSS anticipates announcing the 2001 winners in November 2001 with presentation in December 2001.

One other noteworthy development that could affect your clearance program. President Clinton just signed into law the Smith Amendment. This amends Section 1071 of USC Title 10 and places new limitations on granting security clearances. The new guidelines will affect new clearance and periodic reinvestigation adjudication standards. NCMS will keep you posted as this unfolds.

I encourage you to visit the NCMS website at www/classmgmt.com for more information about us. There, you can download an application blank and join the premier security organization dedicated to industrial security. It is only $60.00 for the year and gives you access to the members-only portion of the website. Here, you’ll find an ever-expanding electronic library of resources, briefings, and about everything you need to run an effective security program. Check us out! Plan to attend our 2001 Annual Seminar next June 12-14 in Colorado Springs, CO.