Enabling Security Clearance Reciprocity, Better Technology – DISS is the new JPAS

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has been moving forward on a project that began in 2008 called the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) family of systems (FoS). This system will integrate the data from various current security clearance and suitability systems enabling consistent standards and reciprocal recognition for all DoD clearances. Once the DISS is fully implemented (sometime in FY2015) JPAS will be fully decommissioned (currently scheduled for November 2016).

The DISS program focuses on solutions for these four reform areas:

Validate Need – DISS is working with DNI and OPM to create a federated search capability to support reciprocity and reduce unnecessary duplicate investigation and adjudicative processes.
Automated Records Check – DISS is developing more cost effective and timely solutions to obtain commercial and federal records to support investigations.
e-Adjudication – Electronic Adjudication (e-Adjudication) employs technology to apply business rules and render suitability and security adjudication decisions electronically in cases with no actionable issues.
Continuous Evaluation – Utilizing the Automated Records Check technology, records for existing cleared personnel can be analyzed more often to flag potential concerns.

Some of the enhancements that the DISS program will bring to the approximately 80,000 users who currently use JPAS are:

Common Access Card (CAC) enablement
Efficient management of accesses
Enhanced visit request capability
Simplified ability to manage incidents
Simplified Security Management Office (SMO) management
Connection with Portal / Enterprise Services
Increased automation
Improved user experience and ease of use
Industry specific data including Key Management Personnel (KMP), Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codes, and Facility Clearance Level (FCL)

According to DLA, the DISS will be the authoritative source for the management, storage, and timely dissemination of and access to personnel security information and will accelerate the clearance process, reduce security clearance vulnerabilities, decrease back-end processing timelines, and support simultaneous information sharing within various DOD entities as well as among a number of authorized federal agencies.