DOD Secure
Interviews and topics centering on security clearances and protecting classified information according to the National Industrial Security Clearance Operating Manual (NISPOM).Did you know that employees with security clearances make up to 15% more than their counterparts? But many people don’t apply for security clearance jobs because they are worried about their past and others don’t apply because they don’t understand the process.
My name is Jeff Bennett and I’ve been working with a security clearance for decades. I understand the system well and want to share with you my knowledge. I’ve taught courses in college, given security training to corporations, led security teams, and written many books on the subject. I think you will be pleased with this book. If you like it, please provide a review and recommend it to your friends. Visit www.redbikepublishing.com for links to our security clearance blog and podcast.
Send us Fan Mailhttps://www.thriveanalysis.com. For consultinghttps://www.nispomcentrial.com for books and traininghttps://www.skool.com/nispomcentral/about for Nispom central communityDue Diligence: Contractors’ Responsibility to Identify and Protect CUI and Sensitive InformationJeff Bennett of Thrive Analysis Group and NISPOM Central argues that the common claim “contractors are not authorized to determine CUI” is bad advice that leads people to ignore their responsibility to identify, mark, and protect sensitive information in their work products. He says contractors are authorized to apply derivative markings based on government instructions and must exercise “presumption of care” (duty of care) to prevent applied research, controlled technologies, export-controlled information (EAR/ITAR), proprietary data, PII,...
Published on: 2026-06-05
Send us Fan Mailhttps://nispomcentral.com/https://www.nispom.comhttps://www.thriveanalysis.comJeff Bennett of Thrive Analysis Group discusses how FSOs can shift from reactive “scramble mode” to a proactive, audit-ready NISPOM program that consistently passes DCSA security reviews. He explains why many FSOs—especially in small companies where the FSO wears multiple hats—get overwhelmed, and notes that daily tasks can be delegated even though authority and audit responsibility cannot. Bennett outlines what DCSA looks for: alignment between the FSO and the senior management official (who owns the program), the ability to demonstrate NISPOM compliance with artifacts, clear explanations using anecdotes, and employee buy-in demonstrated through awareness of the program....
Published on: 2026-04-02
Send a texthttps://www.nispomcentral.comhttps://www.nispom.comStop Managing FSO Tasks by Email: Use Fillable Forms and an FSO Workbook for DISS and NISPOM ComplianceJeff Bennett, an FSO expert with NISPOM Central, explains why using email to execute FSO tasks creates excessive administrative burden and potential security vulnerabilities, especially when emails are not encrypted. He uses visit authorization requests (VARs) as an example, noting that repeated email back-and-forth often happens because employees don’t provide all required information needed to enter data into DISS. While some organizations use dashboards to capture required fields, many FSOs serve as additional-duty personnel without resources or experience, making email-driven workflows...
Published on: 2026-02-16
Send us a textFSO professional development https://www.nispomcentral.com/fso-pro...Get NISPOM https://www.nispomcentral.com/nispom-...Contact us: jeff.bennett@nispomcentral.comBrian Robinson Coaching https://www.brianrobinsoncoaching.com/Cultivating Excellence: Strengthening the FSO and SMO RelationshipIn this episode of DOD Secure, host Jeff Bennett is joined by Brian Robinson of Brian Robinson Coaching to discuss the pivotal relationship between Facility Security Officers (FSOs) and Senior Management Officials (SMOs). They dive into the importance of leadership, communication, and trust in creating a compliant and effective security program. Highlighting strategies such as building trust with team members and communicating effectively with higher management, Brian shares his insights on fostering successful relationships within the organization. This episode is a...
Published on: 2025-11-03
Send us a textJoin our community https://www.skool.com/nispomcentralFSO professional development https://www.nispomcentral.com/fso-pro...Get NISPOM https://jeffbennettsteamwor48021.mycl...Building Strong FSO and SMO Relationships for Optimal Security ComplianceIn this episode, Jeff Bennett from Thrive Analysis Group and Red Bike Publishing discusses the critical relationship between the Senior Management Official (SMO) and the Facility Security Officer (FSO) within an organization. It explores how a strained or non-existent relationship can negatively impact NISPOM compliance and the overall security posture of a facility. The episode covers the roles and responsibilities of both positions, the importance of SMO engagement, and provides recommendations on improving communication and collaboration between FSOs and SMOs....
Published on: 2025-10-17
Send us a textHow to Achieve Unmatched Credibility as a Facility Security Officer (FSO)Link to professional developmentIn this video, Jeff Bennett, founder of Red Bike Publishing and NS Palm Central, shares his extensive experience and insights into professional development for security specialists and FSOs. Jeff explains the importance of understanding and applying the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) to build credibility within the FSO field. He discusses his journey from military service to becoming an influential FSO, author, and consultant. Jeff outlines key topics critical for professional growth, including the basics of NISPOM, certification and training opportunities, and...
Published on: 2025-10-06
Send us a textAchieving Unfair Advantage: Professional Development as an FSOLink to NISPOMIn this video, Jeff Bennett, founder of Red Bike Publishing, discusses how to build credibility and gain an advantage in professional development as a Facility Security Officer (FSO). Jeff shares his journey from an entry-level security position to becoming an FSO, author, speaker, and consultant. He stresses the importance of understanding and utilizing NISPOM for a career in security within the defense industry. Jeff highlights the necessity of having a printed, durable copy of NISPOM and offers high-quality versions through his company. The video also covers various resources...
Published on: 2025-10-06
Send us a textMastering the FSO Workbook: Your Essential Tool for Security ComplianceThe script provides a comprehensive guide on maintaining the FSO workbook, an essential tool for Facility Security Officers (FSOs) to ensure compliance with security protocols. It emphasizes the importance of keeping the workbook updated and secure, outlines key documents and folders that should be included, and provides practical tips for organizing information. The script also recommends printing the workbook before DCSA audits and discusses the importance of consistency in self-inspections and training records. This video serves as an invaluable resource for FSOs, whether they are managing security in-house...
Published on: 2025-06-17
Send us a text descriptionNISPOM Compliance Consulting and FSO Services: https://www.thriveanalysis.comNISPOM Books and Training Resources https://www.nispomcentral.comContact Jeff: jeff.bennett@nispomcentral.comImplementing an Effective Insider Threat Program for NISPOM ComplianceJeff Bennett from Thrive Analysis Group discusses the importance of implementing an aggressive insider threat program to ensure NISPOM compliance. He explains how such a program can protect sensitive information within clear defense contractors, commercial entities, institutions, and nonprofits. The video outlines the identification of sensitive assets, developing countermeasures, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior as focal points of a robust insider threat program. Continuous evaluation, education on adverse information reporting, and practical...
Published on: 2025-02-03
Send us a textJeff Bennett, owner of Thrive Analysis Group and NISPOM Central, explains the significance of security training for uncleared employees in defense contracting companies. The video details compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and covers mandated topics such as threat awareness, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity. Bennett emphasizes the importance of including uncleared employees in security training to prevent unauthorized access to classified information. He also highlights the need for regular training and self-inspection processes, suggesting outsourcing as a solution for overwhelmed FSOs.00:00 Introduction to Thrive Analysis Group00:28 Understanding the Role of FSOs01:05 Outsourcing FSO Tasks01:22...
Published on: 2024-12-27
Send us a textConsulting: https://www.thriveanalysis.comBooks, Training and Resources: https://www.nispomcentral.comWhat's Next After Getting Your Facility Security Clearance?Join Jeff Bennett, President of Thrive Analysis Group, as he guides you through the steps to take after obtaining your facility security clearance. In this video, Jeff discusses the responsibilities of facility security officers, how to manage security programs, delegation of tasks, compliance with NISPOM, and preparing for self-inspections. Ideal for companies new to security clearances and those needing assistance in building and maintaining a security-conscious infrastructure.00:00 Introduction to Thrive Analysis Group00:20 Understanding Facility Security Clearances01:10 Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers02:00 Guidance for New...
Published on: 2024-12-16
Send us a Text Message.Get the TrainingSecurity Training; It's That Important NISPOM requires that every cleared employee receives the initial training and the annual refresher training The rational for initial and refresher is because new employees are introduced to sensitive and classified government information and they should learn the fundamentals. Here are some great topics; just so happens to be addressed in NISPOM: The nature of classified material and how to protect it. Notice of their responsibilities to protect classified information and the consequences of unauthorized disclosure Recognizing and protecting U.S. and foreign government classified material Criteria for authorizing access to classified...
Published on: 2024-07-06
For some, the FSO designation is a career track with potential growth. For others, it’s an undesired appointment, part of doing business and just another additional duty.However, this responsibility should be taken very seriously as classified contracts depend on success. Regardless of whether desired or appointed, the FSO is key to managing classified contracts.Why not let Thrive Analysis Group Inc manage your FSO requirements while you focus on your core capabilities. We are uniquely positioned to equip your organization with FSO solutions and services.While you may be appointed as FSO, you should delegate FSO responsibilities to us. We provide a...
Published on: 2023-11-10
Jeff is available for speaking and consultinghttps://jeffreywbennett.comhttps://jeffreywbennett.thinkific.comFSOs have a huge responsibility to protect contractor information. One important job is to start with an insider threat program.Most people make the mistake of relying on tracking employees and looking for suspicious behavior. That's not a good way to start.I've got a better solution. It's here in the video as well as my new book:Establish an Insider threat program under NISPOM. https://www.redbikepublishing.com/books/https://www.redbikepublishing.com/insiderthreatprogram/Online security clearance webinars and coaching. Providing security training and resources.It also answers the question that so many people have asked,If we have the NISPOM, why do we need an insider threat...
Published on: 2023-04-22
Free security clearance seminarehttps://www.redbikepublishing.com/securityclearanceseminar/NISPOM Fundamentals https://www.bennettinstitute.comStay tuned for more information about our upcoming book. In the meantime, if you need to provide Insider Threat Training, you can download and present your very own to your employees NISPOM requires Derivative Classification Training and Record keeping Guidance. This guidance states that the cleared contractor provide cleared personnel with initial Derivative Classification Training and follow up and at least once every 2 years. No time to write training?You can find training here https://www.redbikepublishing.com/derivative/See more in our books "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "How to gMission Driven Research, Inc Mission Driven Research, Inc is...
Published on: 2023-02-26