DSS ACCESS, Volume 1, Issue 3 - Defense Security Service (DSS)

26
facilities
By Laura Aghdam
NISP Team Action Officer
On June 13, 2012, the Defense Security Service presented the
annual James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security
Achievement Award to 26 cleared contractor facilities. The
winning facilities represent the “best of the best,” and their
security programs stand as models for others to emulate.
These 26 facilities represent less than 1 percent of the
over 13,300 cleared contractors in the National Industrial
Security Program (NISP). Among the 26 winners were two
category “AA” facilities, which are among the largest in the
NISP, demonstrating that even the most complex security
programs have the ability to attain this honor.
Equally impressive was Lockheed Martin Corporation’s six
winning facilities, showing that a culture of security and
corporate support can and does make a difference.
In order to win a James S. Cogswell Award, facilities must
demonstrate excellence in all areas of their industrial
security programs. Winners must also receive two
consecutive “Superior” ratings, exceeding the baseline
requirements of the National Industrial Security Program
Operating Manual (NISPOM).
Furthermore, a Cogswell winner provides leadership to
other cleared facilities and actively participates in security
12 —— http://www.dss.mil
achieve
highest
security
recognition
awareness groups, such as local Industrial Security
Awareness Councils and NCMS chapters, whose objectives
are to foster communication and enhance security practices
across the security community.
Each year, NCMS hosts the Cogswell Award presentations
during its annual training conference, where DSS also
provides training to industry on a wide variety of subjects
ranging from the new DSS security rating matrix to
counterintelligence reporting. This year the conference
took place in Orlando, Fla., and the awards were presented
by DSS Director Stan Sims.
The James S. Cogswell award was originally established
in 1966 and was named in honor of the late Air Force Col.
James S. Cogswell, the first chief of a unified industrial
security program within the Department of Defense.
In creating this joint program, Cogswell focused on the
partnership between government and industry in protecting
classified information. The Cogswell Award rewards those
contractors who demonstrate superior support of this
partnership and common goal.
Please join DSS in congratulating the 2012 James S.
Cogswell Award winners listed at right!